Florida State Seminoles’ linebacker Ethan Pritchard never expected to become the program’s story of sheer survival. Committed in October 2023, Pritchard’s life changed forever on August 31, 2025. He survived a gunshot to the back of the head. After 34 grueling days of rehab, Pritchard addressed the media. Still in his wheelchair, he spoke boldly about his return. Now, is that dream within reach?

What began as a routine ride home on Aug. 31 turned into a nightmare. Pritchard was driving his aunt and a child back from a family party in Havana, Fla., when, just 16 miles from Tallahassee, he was shot in the back of the head. The bullet tore into the back of Pritchard’s head, forcing doctors into emergency surgery and keeping him in the hospital for weeks. 

He was discharged from the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital in October after months of treatment and was transported to the Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville. As we must be aware, a gunshot wound has some serious and long-term neurological impacts. Pritchard himself acknowledged how the rehab journey has been a grueling one. 

“When I first got here, I couldn’t even move my whole right side,” he said. However, the linebacker never gave up, “It started off with that, and after that it just got better and better.” On Thursday, November 13, he left the center in a motorized wheelchair but had that same spark in his eyes. While facing the media, he said, “The goal is to return to the football field. Getting back on the field as quick as I can or not quick as I can. So, I ain’t going to rush it. But yeah, just getting back on the field.”

Pritchard isn’t rushing, but he isn’t stopping either. He shared with WESH2’s Stewart Moore that he’s locked in on playing football again. The FSU star is also working towards his goal. His daily rehab load? Tackling up to eight rehab sessions a day to relearn walking and speaking. 

The barrage was overwhelming. “Most of the windshield was missing and several bullet holes could be seen across the vehicle,” according to court records. The investigation revealed that “there was possibly a total of four firearms used in this shooting.” But Pritchard fought like a warrior. As per the reports, Pritchard is expected to attend the Seminoles’ home finale Saturday, November 15. Meanwhile, Mike Norvell is already urged to leave a spot for the linebacker to make a comeback.

Florida State alum steps up to support Ethan Pritchard

Defensive lineman Jacobbi McDaniel played at Florida State from 2009-2013. Even though he never crossed paths with Pritchard, that did not stop the Seminoles alum from rooting hard for the linebacker. On November 14, FSU Football documented and reposted Pritchard’s visit for the practice. The caption said it all, “Every day is a blessing, and some days provide reminders. #NoleFamily.”

McDaniel reshared the post. Other than praising Pritchard for never giving up in his recovery journey, the tweet came with a reassurance. “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..,” wrote McDaniel.

Though tragedy found him, support never left Ethan Pritchard. Beyond his parents, the entire Florida State community rallied behind him. A GoFundMe with a $170k goal surged past $148,000. While he fought in the hospital, the Seminoles wore No. 35 wristbands against Texas A&M in solidarity. The next chapter hinges on one thing. If he’s cleared, does FSU have room for his comeback?