FSU’s Ethan Pritchard fought death, surviving a tragic headshot, back in August 2025. The freshman LB, after nearly 75 days of medical observation and rehabilitation, wasted no time returning to the Seminoles’ football facility on Friday, November 14. As the FSU locker room is overwhelmed with blessings and positivity, a Seminoles alum sent Mike Norvell a message to ensure Ethan Pritchard’s future continues at Tallahassee.

Former FSU DT Jacobbi McDaniel reposted Pritchard’s visit as documented on X, suggesting he be given the security of a football related position at the university. McDaniel wrote on X, “To have a smile on your face after going through what you just went through…. Man. Respect to you and your family. Praying you stay mentally engaged with the game and you will always have a role at FSU football. Damn man..”

Ethan Pritchard, a 4-star recruit from Sanford, Florida, was shot outside an apartment complex on August 31 near Tallahassee. That is a day after FSU’s season opener against Alabama. It was revealed that Pritchard was attacked for a mistaken identity while dropping off an aunt and a child following a family party.

The 6-foot-2 freshman was rushed to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, and was released early last month. He had his recovery at Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville for a month and was released on November 13th. Ethan Pritchard made his visit to the football facility the next day, proving how much he loves the game and what it means to him.

FSU Football shared his return to the campus, where he remains in a wheelchair, and his teammates, coaches, and staff members showed him nothing but love. While Pritchard continues his road to recovery, it is unknown how long it will take him to get completely cleared. At this stage, as McDaniel suggested, securing a backup role at Florida State Football could be the biggest thing the program can do if he fails to attain his football playing goals.

Ethan Pritchard sets eyes on return to football

After undergoing such tragedy, Ethan Pritchard faced the media for the first time. During the session, the freshman revealed his goal to return to the football field. But he made sure to say that he won’t be rushing it. “The goal is to return to the football field,” Ethan Pritchard said. “Getting back on the field as quick as I can or not as quick as I can. So, I ain’t going to rush it. But yeah, just getting back on the field.”

Pritchard, in his high school career, completed 61 tackles and 2 PBU, and a FR. He completed his junior season with 75 tackles, 4 PBU, and a FR. He was one of the early commits for FSU as a 4-star recruit in his class, as per 247 Sports and On3, and is yet to make his debut.

The 4-star recruit is expected to make his first appearance at Doak Campbell Stadium since the tragic incident for the Florida State game against Virginia Tech on Saturday, November 15. FSU (4-5) is looking to pick up its fifth win of the season against the Hokies in its final home game of their disastrous 2025 campaign.