Ethan Pritchard leads Florida State onto field for season opener

Florida State linebacker Ethan Pritchard walked onto the field at Doak Campbell Stadium to lead his teammates ahead of their season opener against the New Mexico State Aggies on August 29, 2026. The 19-year-old athlete completed his goal of returning to the field nearly one year after suffering a gunshot wound to the head. Pritchard was hospitalized in critical condition in August 2025 following an incident while visiting family in Havana, Florida. Throughout his recovery, he underwent a process to regain basic motor functions, including relearning how to eat, talk, and sneeze. Following his appearance at the stadium, the Seminoles defeated the Aggies with a final score of 34-17. Pritchard has expressed intentions to return to playing football in the future, citing his current physical condition as better than before his injury.

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