Credit: tommycasto_ / IG | via @SportsCenter
Florida State freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard was discharged from Memorial Hospital yesterday, marking 39 days since a gunshot wound to the back of his head on Aug 31, which nearly claimed his life.
He was shot while driving family members home from a cookout near Havana Heights Apartments. His father, Earl Pritchard, stood beside him as they left the facility together, bound for Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville, where the next phase of recovery begins.
The entire FSU football team gathered outside the hospital to send off their teammate; the moment was captured in a video shared on X, formerly Twitter by SportsCenter and drew emotional responses from all college football lovers nationwide.
And the entire FSU team was there to cheer him on as he left the hospital 🥹 (🎥 tommycasto_/IG) https://t.co/mZFjrHje5l pic.twitter.com/LcFOTiDOgl
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 9, 2025
His father expressed gratitude for the medical teams who treated his son, specifically mentioning Dr. Albert Lee, the ECMO team, and the nursing staff on the third and fourth floors at TMH. He also praised FSU head coach Mike Norvell, who visited the hospital daily throughout the whole ordeal.
Fans Voice Concerns About Pritchard’s Recovery and Ability to Walk
The uncertainty surrounding Pritchard’s future mobility has generated significant discussion among college football fans. Social media reactions reveal the depth of concern for the linebacker’s condition and what lies ahead.
Not a FSU fan but praying for this young man
— Jason Smiley (@jasonsmiley1970) October 10, 2025
One fan on X wrote, “as much as guys on stretchers can be super hot sometimes, I feel like I seriously need to wish for his speedy recovery. surviving a head GSW is pretty rare, especially to the back of the head.”
Another fan posted, “i’m NOT religious and i don’t claim to be but praise the lord, i’m praying for a successful and speedy recovery for him 🙂 also one of my favorite college players”
Not everyone agreed with the public display at the hospital, a fan questioned the approach: “People so weird, what if he wanted to leave peacefully and quietly but yall out here doing the most”
Another response came @JCFAMOU: “We give you thanks in the name of your son Jesus of him being able to leave this hospital! You know the plans you have for him! We ask that you be his strength to rise and walk! We know your Power is the Greatest and Strongest! Glory, Honor, and Praise to Lord Amen!”
Another fan simply asked: “Does anyone know if he will be able to walk again? Sending prayers to him and his family.”
Pritchard acknowledged the road ahead in his statement, saying that Ethan “has a long journey ahead of him” but will continue to fight with the support of the FSU and Seminole County communities.
The transfer to Brooks Rehabilitation suggests there is still more to be, though the university has not said anything specific about his treatment plan or expected recovery timeline. His presence at a rehabilitation facility instead of going home directly indicates the seriousness of the work required in the months ahead.
