‘REMARKABLE MILESTONE’: Florida State’s Ethan Pritchard Walks Out of Hospital After Surviving Gunshot to the Head

TALLAHASSEE, FL — It was a moment no one inside Tallahassee Memorial Hospital will soon forget. Florida State freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard — who was shot in the head in August — walked out of the hospital Friday afternoon, surrounded by teammates, coaches, and family, in what doctors called nothing short of a “remarkable milestone.”

The 19-year-old athlete, who had been in critical condition for weeks following the shooting, smiled faintly and waved as he was wheeled toward the hospital’s exit. Around him, more than two dozen of his teammates formed a tight circle, clapping and cheering, chanting his name: “Ethan! Ethan!”

It was a scene filled with emotion — part celebration, part relief — and a testament to the human spirit’s resilience.

Pritchard will now continue his recovery at a rehabilitation center in Jacksonville, where specialists will work with him on speech, mobility, and cognitive therapy. Doctors said the fact that he is even alive — let alone able to move and communicate — is extraordinary.

A Long Road Back

Just two months ago, few could have imagined this day would come.

On the night of August 17, Pritchard was reportedly caught in the crossfire of an altercation while leaving a gathering near campus. According to Tallahassee police, he was an unintended victim — a bystander struck by a single bullet that lodged in the side of his head.

He was rushed to Tallahassee Memorial, where surgeons performed emergency procedures to relieve brain swelling and remove fragments. For days, his condition was listed as “critical but stable.”

Head coach Mike Norvell described those first 72 hours as “the hardest time our program has ever faced.”

“We’re used to talking about toughness on the field,” Norvell said. “But what Ethan showed in that hospital bed redefines toughness.”

By early September, doctors noted small but encouraging signs — a movement of the hand, a blink in response to questions, and eventually, faint speech.

Now, less than two months later, Pritchard’s progress has stunned even his medical team.

“He Shouldn’t Be Alive — But He Is”

Dr. Karen Brooks, the neurosurgeon who oversaw Pritchard’s treatment, said his recovery defies every expectation.

“Medically speaking, this is a miracle,” Brooks told reporters. “When he first arrived, the chances of survival were extremely low. For him to be walking, talking, and smiling — this is not something we see often.”

Brooks credited Pritchard’s physical conditioning, rapid response from first responders, and the unwavering support of his family and teammates.

“He had a community fighting for him,” she added. “And that matters.”

Team Spirit, Brotherhood, and Prayer

Florida State’s football team has rallied around Pritchard from the very beginning. Players wore wristbands reading #PrayForEthan during practices and games. His jersey — No. 44 — hung in the locker room every week, untouched, as a symbol of hope.

Senior linebacker DJ Lundy, one of Pritchard’s closest friends, said the experience has changed the team forever.

“We go to war together on the field, but this was a different kind of battle,” Lundy said. “Seeing Ethan today… it felt like we all won something bigger than football.”

Head coach Norvell agreed, saying Pritchard’s recovery has become a rallying point for the entire program.

“He’s part of our heartbeat,” Norvell said. “Every time these guys step on the field, they’re playing for him.”

During Friday’s emotional sendoff, the team presented Pritchard with a framed jersey and a helmet signed by every teammate. The crowd erupted in cheers as Pritchard raised his hand weakly and smiled.

Family Gratitude and Quiet Strength

Pritchard’s parents, James and Melissa Pritchard, thanked the medical staff, university officials, and community members who donated to their son’s recovery fund, which has raised over $300,000.

Through tears, Melissa said, “When we got that phone call in August, we didn’t know if our boy would make it through the night. Now, we’re here watching him move forward — it’s the answer to every prayer.”

James Pritchard added that his son’s determination was evident even in the hospital’s toughest days.

“He never gave up,” he said. “Even when he couldn’t speak, you could see it in his eyes — that fire to live, to fight, to come back.”

Community Support Across Florida

Across Florida and beyond, messages of support have poured in — from rival teams, alumni, and even NFL players.

University of Florida head coach Billy Napier sent a message of encouragement, saying, “No rivalry matters when a young man’s life is on the line. We’re all pulling for Ethan.”

Meanwhile, FSU fans have created murals and tribute videos celebrating Pritchard’s strength and perseverance.

The university has announced that proceeds from next week’s home game will go toward the Ethan Pritchard Recovery Fund.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter

Though Pritchard’s rehabilitation journey will be long, doctors are optimistic. His therapists will focus on motor coordination, speech recovery, and gradual strengthening.

“He’s already defying odds,” said Dr. Brooks. “Now the goal is to help him regain as much independence as possible.”

Pritchard’s family said he’s eager to begin therapy — and already talking about returning to the sidelines someday.

“He told me, ‘Coach, I’m coming back,’” Norvell revealed with a smile. “That’s Ethan. Always fighting.”

Whether or not he ever plays again, his story has already left a lasting impact.

More Than Football

For many in Tallahassee, Pritchard’s recovery is about more than sports. It’s a symbol of unity — in a season overshadowed by division, politics, and uncertainty.

At a time when violence often dominates headlines, Pritchard’s fight to live has reminded many what resilience and hope look like.

“You realize how precious life is,” said FSU athletic director Michael Alford. “This community came together — no politics, no agendas, just people caring for one another. Ethan brought out the best in all of us.”

A Moment to Remember

As the hospital doors closed behind him, Pritchard turned to his teammates and said softly, “See you soon.”

It was a simple phrase — but it carried the weight of two months of pain, prayer, and perseverance.

For the Florida State community, it was more than a hospital discharge. It was proof that miracles still happen, that faith and friendship can carry people through the darkest days, and that sometimes the greatest victories don’t come on the field — but in the fight to live another day.