Ethan Pritchard Returns to Campus After Shooting Incident

Freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard is set to return to Florida State for the first time since being shot in the head on August 31. He will join the Seminoles for their final home game against Virginia Tech this Saturday, as reported by multiple sources.

Pritchard, who expressed his intention to resume playing football, was discharged from an inpatient rehabilitation facility on Thursday. Before leaving Brooks Rehabilitation Facility in Jacksonville, he celebrated the milestone by ringing a bell, according to various reports.

Upon arriving on campus Friday, head coach Mike Norvell inquired if Pritchard had a message for the team. He confidently stated, “We’re going to win,” highlighting his optimistic outlook.

It’s been quite a journey for Pritchard. The 19-year-old was shot in the back of the head while dropping off his aunt and her child after a family gathering. Authorities classified the incident as a case of mistaken identity, leading to the arrest of four individuals.

Pritchard recalled the moment during an interview with WESH-TV, saying, “I remember everything. As I turned the corner, I heard a gunshot. I just put the car in reverse and backed up, and I don’t remember what happened after that.”

Norvell had remarked on the situation just days post-incident, acknowledging its seriousness while also emphasizing support for Pritchard, “I try to give the players updates every day. We absolutely pray for him and try to be there for our players, on and off the field. He’s one of their brothers.”

In the aftermath of the shooting, the four suspects arrested were Caron Miller, 18, German Atkins, 23, Jayden Bodison, 22, and a 16-year-old. Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young affirmed that Pritchard “did nothing wrong” during the incident.

As Pritchard prepares for the game, the Seminoles currently stand at 4-5, with three games left in the season. It’s a challenging period, but the sense of community around him is undoubtedly strong.