Introduction
Stuart Scott was more than just a prominent sportscaster on ESPN — he was a cultural phenomenon. With his distinctive style, memorable catchphrases, and authentic energy, Scott brought a new flavor to sports journalism. But behind the charisma and on-air presence, he fought a long, arduous battle with a rare form of cancer. In this article, we dive deep into what kind of cancer he had, his personal life — including who he was with, and a significant eye injury — and examine his legacy, including how he turned pain into purpose.
Who Was Stuart Scott?
Stuart Scott was born on July 19, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, but grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. After earning his degree in speech communication, he worked at local television stations before joining ESPN in 1993.
From the outset, Scott stood out: blending sports with hip-hop culture, street-style vernacular, and charisma never seen before among national sportscasters. His signature catchphrases — “Boo-yah!”, “as cool as the other side of the pillow”, and others — resonated with a younger and more diverse audience.
Over time, Scott became one of ESPN’s most recognizable faces, covering major events like the NBA and NFL, and hosting a number of high-profile programs.
What Kind of Cancer Did Stuart Scott Have?
Appendiceal Cancer — A Rare Diagnosis
In 2007, what seemed like an ordinary appendectomy revealed a shocking truth: Scott’s appendix was cancerous. The disease was identified as Appendiceal cancer — a rare form of cancer that originates in the appendix.
Appendiceal cancer is so uncommon and often deadly that many medical organizations, like the American Cancer Society, do not even publish annual incidence estimates. Because the appendix is attached to the colon, this type of cancer is broadly considered a subtype of colorectal cancers.
The Disease Course: Remission and Recurrence
After his 2007 surgery, doctors removed part of his colon and several lymph nodes near the appendix. He then underwent preventive chemotherapy.
For a time, it appeared to work. But the cancer came back — first in 2011, then again in 2013. At one point, he revealed that he was on a chemotherapy regimen that included the drug 5-FU (5-fluorouracil), a common treatment for appendiceal adenocarcinomas.
By 2014, Scott had endured more than 50 rounds of chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, and radiation treatments.
The Final Outcome
Despite his fierce determination and refusal to let his illness define him, Stuart Scott passed away on January 4, 2015, at age 49. The cause: appendiceal cancer.
His death highlighted the seriousness of appendiceal cancer — a disease many may never have heard of — and brought attention to the difficulties faced by patients diagnosed with rare cancers.
Eye Injury: What Happened?
Scott’s life and career faced another challenge long before his cancer diagnosis: in 2002, while filming a special for ESPN at a mini-camp for the New York Jets, he was struck in the face by a thrown football. The impact damaged his cornea.
Surgery followed, but as a result he developed ptosis — drooping of the eyelid — and as he later revealed, the injury left him blind in his left eye.
He addressed the issue during interviews, clarifying that despite speculation, his left eye was not a prosthetic; rather, he had real vision loss.
The injury forced him to change some behaviors — for example, Scott trained in mixed martial arts while wearing sunglasses to protect his eyes.
Even with impaired vision in one eye, Scott didn’t let that slow him down. The tenacity he displayed in battling two serious health issues — cancer and vision loss — spoke volumes about his character.
Personal Life — Family and Relationships
Off-camera, Stuart Scott was a devoted father and family man. From 1993 to 2007, he was married to Kimberly Scott, with whom he had two daughters: Taelor Scott and Sydni Scott.
After his divorce from Kimberly in 2007, reports indicate that at the time of his death, Scott was in a relationship with Kristin Spodobalski.
Despite his fame and busy career, Scott often emphasized that his daughters were his “heartbeat” — a source of motivation and strength.
In his 2014 acceptance speech for the Jimmy V Award at the ESPY Awards, Scott called his daughters to the stage and held them close — a poignant moment that made clear where his priorities truly lay.
Legacy — How Stuart Scott Turned Struggle Into Inspiration
Changing the Face of Sports Journalism
Stuart Scott didn’t just report sports — he revolutionized how sports were broadcast. He infused personality, cultural references, and authenticity into what was often a staid medium. By doing so, he helped diversify the voice of sports media, paving the way for future generations of journalists from underrepresented backgrounds.
Many who came after him — especially in Black communities — cite him as a role model, proof that one could succeed without compromising identity or style.
Public Awareness: Rare Cancer & Health Equity
Perhaps the most enduring impact of his illness was the spotlight it shone on a little-known and under-researched disease. Because appendiceal cancer is rare — often overlooked — Scott’s public battle brought awareness to how difficult early diagnosis and treatment can be.
In the wake of his passing, the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund was established (in partnership with the V Foundation and ESPN), focusing on cancer research — including racial disparities in cancer outcomes.
To date, millions have been awarded in grants to scientists from underrepresented groups working on cancer prevention, treatment, and racial health equity — a legacy Scott’s daughters continue to champion.
Courage and Vulnerability — Redefining “Strength”
What makes Scott’s story compelling isn’t just his fame or his fight — but the way he handled it. He once said, regarding cancer: “You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.”
Even with recurrent illness, chemotherapy, surgeries, organ complications — he continued working, living, and raising awareness. His 2014 speech at the ESPY Awards remains one of the most powerful public statements on cancer survivorship and dignity.
Through vulnerability, authenticity, and resilience, he redefined what it means to fight — reminding us that courage isn’t about never falling; it’s about how you rise.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What exact type of cancer did Stuart Scott have?
A: Stuart Scott had appendiceal cancer, a rare form of cancer that originates in the appendix.
Q: How many times did the cancer return?
A: After the initial diagnosis in 2007, his cancer recurred at least twice — once around 2011 and again in 2013.
Q: What happened to his eye? Why was he partially blind?
A: In 2002, he was hit in the face by a football during an ESPN shoot, damaging his cornea. The surgery he underwent left him blind in his left eye, and he developed ptosis (drooping eyelid).
Q: Was Stuart Scott married? Who was his girlfriend when he passed away?
A: He was married to Kimberly Scott from 1993 to 2007, with whom he had two daughters: Taelor and Sydni. At the time of his death, he was reportedly in a relationship with Kristin Spodobalski.
Q: What is his legacy after death?
A: Beyond transforming sports media, Stuart Scott’s battle with a rare cancer inspired the creation of the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund. The Fund supports cancer research, with emphasis on reducing racial disparities in cancer outcomes. His resilience, authenticity, and message of living fully continue to inspire fans, journalists, and cancer advocates worldwide.
Conclusion
Stuart Scott’s journey — from hyped-up ESPN anchor to fearless cancer warrior — is one of resilience, authenticity, and enduring impact. He didn’t shy away from adversity: whether it was the blindness in one eye or the recurrence of a rare and unforgiving cancer, Scott persisted. He worked, he fought, he lived.
His legacy lives on, not just in highlight reels and catchphrases, but in the lives of those he inspired — his daughters, future journalists, cancer-research advocates, and countless fans. The fight he carried wasn’t just his own; it became a rallying cry for awareness, representation, and hope.
