Florida State football was able to celebrate its season-opening victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide this past year. However, what transpired what the win on Sunday was heartbreaking.
True freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard was shot on Sunday, August 31st, when he was driving to drop off his aunt and a child at a family party in Havana, Florida. It turns out that Pritchard was the person mistaken identity in the shooting.
It was unfortunate because Pritchard was a former four-star prospect in the 2025 recruiting cycle who had so much potential. He committed to the Seminoles early on in the process and believed in what head football coach Mike Norvell preached.
Ethan Pritchard was at the Seminoles' Tour of Duty practice on Tuesday
The linebacker is miraculously making a recovery after individuals didn't know how his condition would be after the shooting. It is a great reminder to value life and enjoy it while we can.
Pritchard has been seen rehabbing and is hoping to gain back the necessary strength to play again. While the journey might be far away, he is doing everything in his power to get back to his normal self. Unfortunately, the young man is having to go through the adverse situation, but Pritchard has the right mindset, knowing that it doesn't define him.
Florida State is finishing up the Tour of Duty workout before spring practices begin on Monday, March 9th. As a result, linebacker Ethan Pritchard decided to make a special appearance with the team to close out the Tour of Duty workouts.
Cool moment shared by Florida State’s social media team where linebacker Ethan Pritchard helped the squad break out of Tour of Duty workouts.
— Norvell Central (@CentralNorvell) March 3, 2026
Pritchard looks to be on his journey of making a recovery. 🔥 #GoNoles #fsufootball #ethanpritchard pic.twitter.com/ezxxJaP29R
Mike Norvell mentions "One day and one step at a time" for Pritchard's recovery, and he seems to believe that the linebacker will eventually make his return from the unfortunate situation.
Even though the defender is being aided with the walker, he is such an inspiration to so many people, and I know that he will continue to lay the foundation for those who are facing adversity to never give up.