Former Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne is asking for assistance in coming up with alternative treatment ideas for his father, who is battling an advanced form of cancer.

Jeff Thorne, a highly successful Division III football coach who was most recently offensive coordinator at Western Michigan in 2022, was diagnosed with Stage 4 stomach cancer in February. According to a post on Payton Thorne’s Instagram account, Jeff endured nine rounds of chemotherapy and was to undergo surgery to remove the tumor last week, but his condition was found to be inoperable.

Payton — now a rookie free agent quarterback with the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals — is reaching out to the world community at large for “help and assistance from anybody who may have information or connections on alternative treatments or previous experience with a similar case.” He posted a lengthy message on his Instagram account Sunday including a photo of him, his parents and siblings.

“Please reach out if you are knowledgeable in immunotherapy, integrative/holistic treatments, targeted therapies, etc.,” Payton Thorne wrote.

“Although there are many things up in the air right now. One thing is for certain: Christ will be glorified in this. There is a peace knowing we serve a God who has already defeated death. That’s not just some positivity talk, that’s truth. While our faith is fully in Him and His power, I believe it’s my duty here on earth to do all that I can to find resources and as much help as possible. Then leave the rest to God. I have already received great direction from people close to me, which we’re very thankful for. Now we’re just looking for anything that could be a breakthrough.

“I know that millions of people and families are currently battling this disease among others. But I feel that I should use the small following I’ve accumulated over the past few years as a resource.

“My dad means the world to me and my family. He has impacted countless lives over the course of his life, both as a football coach and as a man. And that is sure to continue through this journey.”

A native of Illinois, Payton Thorne played at Auburn in 2023 and 2024 after transferring from Michigan State. In 24 games over two seasons, he passed for 4,468 yards and 37 touchdowns.

Jeff Thorne — a father of three — spent two decades coaching at Division III North Central in Naperville, Ill., first as offensive coordinator before six years as head coach. He led the Cardinals to a 65-10 overall record, four conference championships and the 2019 D3 national title.