Florida State Honors Injured Freshman Ethan Pritchard During 77-3 Win Over East Texas A&M
Players and coaches paid tribute to freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard, who remains hospitalized after suffering a gunshot wound to the head last weekend.
Florida State University honored freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard during Saturday’s 77-3 home victory over East Texas A&M as the team rallied around the player who was shot in the back of the head last weekend and remains hospitalized in Tallahassee.
Pritchard’s father, Earl, who told WFTV his son was shot while driving, was on the sideline for the game. Safety Earl Little Jr. carried Pritchard’s No. 35 jersey to midfield for the coin toss, and many players wore No. 35 wristbands. Defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. warmed up wearing a T-shirt with Pritchard’s image on it. Head coach Mike Norvell said he had visited Pritchard earlier in the week and had been updating the team on his condition.
The gestures came in a dominant performance for the Seminoles, who followed last week’s upset of Alabama with a lopsided win at Doak Campbell Stadium. Florida State outscored East Texas A&M 77-3, building a large lead early and rotating personnel throughout the second half as the outcome was never in doubt.
Norvell, speaking after the game, reiterated the team’s focus on supporting Pritchard and his family. The coach confirmed he had visited the freshman at a Tallahassee hospital earlier in the week and said the team would continue to provide updates as appropriate. Pritchard’s family has not released new medical details beyond what was shared by his father to local media.
Teammates and staff arranged several visible tributes during pregame and the early moments of the contest. The sideline presence of Pritchard’s father and the placement of the No. 35 jersey at midfield underscored the program’s effort to keep the player at the center of the team’s thoughts as it navigates the season.
The shooting, which authorities have said occurred over the weekend, remains under investigation. Florida State has not released additional details on Pritchard’s medical status or the circumstances surrounding the incident. The university and athletic department have asked for privacy for the player and his family while he receives care.
Saturday’s win continues a strong start to the season for Florida State, which has drawn attention for both its on-field results and the way the program has handled a traumatic event affecting one of its players. The team is scheduled to return to practice this week as it prepares for its next opponent, with updates on Pritchard expected to come from the program when available.
