Nearly a year after being shot in the back of the head in what law enforcement described as a case of mistaken identity, former Seminole High School student and Florida State University linebacker Ethan Pritchard is walking independently.
Pritchard has spent much of his recovery in Central Florida. He said he is grateful for the support he has received and is asking people to continue praying for him. On Saturday, he is expected to walk onto the field with his teammates for Florida State’s first game of the season.
Ethan Pritchard makes progress in recovery
Pritchard began physical therapy with Alex Mendez seven weeks ago while using a walker. He can now walk without assistance.
“I am feeling great, better than ever, better than I did before I got shot,” Pritchard said.
Pritchard was shot on Aug. 31, 2025. After leaving the hospital in October, he said he knew he faced a long recovery that would require him to relearn basic functions.
“Learn how to talk again, learn how to eat again, and learn how to even people might think this is funny, but I had to learn how to sneeze again because I really didn’t know how to sneeze,” Pritchard said.
He said the recovery process has also taught him more about himself.
“I really feel like I found myself for real. I found another part of myself that I didn’t know I had,” Pritchard said.
Giving up was never an option for Pritchard.
“I don’t think that ever came across my mind,” he said.
Family and therapists support Pritchard’s recovery
His father, Earl Pritchard, said his son’s determination has been evident since childhood.
“Just that drive he had ever since he was 5-6 years old, wanting to play football, me pushing him and mainly him pushing himself,” Earl Pritchard said. “I don’t take all the credit for that, him pushing himself knowing what he wants to do in life, trying to get back to that.”
Earl Pritchard said seeing his son continue to recover has brought the family joy.
“Just seeing it brings joy to you, just seeing him smile doing what he is doing now,” he said.
Pritchard credited his doctors, therapists, trainers and technology for helping him heal.
Mendez, the founder of RAM Performance and Rehab, said Pritchard has continued to improve during every therapy session.
“I mean it has been extremely rewarding,” Mendez said. “Again, he is a walking miracle. It’s really cool to have a patient with this kind of injury literally make a gain every single session he comes in.”
Pritchard said he remains focused on making progress each day.
“Really, just to get better at something every day or try to get better at something,” he said. “There is always something to work on, especially in this case, there is always a lot to work on.”
Pritchard hopes to return to football
Pritchard has visited his team in Tallahassee and said he reminds his teammates to value every moment they have on the field. His long-term goal is still to return to football.
“I will be back,” he said.
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