James Van Der Beek has posted a heartbreaking video in which the Dawson’s Creek star sells Varsity Blues merchandise to help cover medical costs. The Rules of Attraction star announced his diagnosis in November 2024, revealing his stage 3 colorectal cancer to fans. Van Der Beek stated at the time:
“I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family. There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
Since Van Der Beek revealed his diagnosis, he has been seeking help from fans, with the actor auctioning off and selling merchandise and memorabilia from his career. The father of six has been open about the financial costs surrounding his medical treatment, and the Dawson’s Creek star has been raising money for more than himself, highlighting the stellar work of organizations like F Cancer.
In a recent Instagram post, Van Der Beek revisited the 1999 high school football drama Varsity Blues, selling jerseys worn by his character, Mox. He previously sold Varsity Blues jerseys in December 2025, which proved popular with his fans, sparking a new wave available in limited quantities. A standard jersey costs $40, with Van Der Beek offering autographed versions for $80. Van Der Beek gives links for purchase on his Instagram account, with his post thanking fans for their continued support, and noting that the proceeds will help more than just him:
Thank you — for the love, the prayers, the support, and for making this jersey mean something far bigger than a movie.
Endlessly grateful for all of you.
Proceeds go directly toward helping with treatment and supporting families walking the same path.
James Van Der Beek Continues to Work with Fan Support
Van Der Beek has continued to work through his cancer battle, appearing on the Walker TV series and in the Sidelined films. The star of Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23 is even slated to appear in the forthcoming Elle, the Legally Blonde prequel TV series. However, his absence was noted at the Dawson’s Creek reunion in September.
The reunion was meant to be the first time the entire cast reunited since the show had ended in 2003. Van Der Beek was said to have dropped out due to a stomach virus, choosing to prioritize his health. While some fans may have been disappointed, Hamilton star Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped into the role, helping fulfill the reunion’s plans with a unique replacement.
While Van Der Beek continues to be open about his cancer, fans are heartbroken by the Varsity Blues star’s need to sell memorabilia. Still, the actor appears to be taking it in stride, acknowledging that he collected these items for when they were needed, as he discussed a recent auction.
“I’ve been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it’s clear that the time is now.”
- Release Date
-
January 15, 1999
- Runtime
-
106 minutes
- Director
-
Brian Robbins
- Writers
-
W. Peter Iliff