Sad News For Florida State Football: he is back…

We start today’s Noles News off with some sad news, as former Florida State quarterback Marcus Outzen passed away Tuesday evening.

Nicknamed “Rooster” because of his red hair, he stepped in as starter after a season-ending injury to Chris Weinke during the 1998 season. A week after the redshirt freshman’s first start, a win over Wake Forest, Ouzten led the Seminoles to a win over Florida. The Gators, 9-1 on the season, were simply loaded on defense and many feared that FSU would get run out of its own house — Outzen managed the game well, going 13-22 for 167 yards with one touchdown (one of the top plays in Florida State history, a miracle connection with Peter Warrick) and zero interceptions as FSU prevailed 23-12 in one of the most memorable games in the FSU-UF rivalry.

The Seminoles faced off against Tennessee in the BCS National Championship, but fell short in a 23-16 loss.

Over his time at Florida State, he went 72 of 121 for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns with six interceptions.

“Marcus was a good friend to a lot of people,” former FSU teammate Bobby Rhodes said. “People liked him, on and off the field. This is so sad.”

Brad Dempton, Outzen’s best friend and college roommate at FSU, pointed to Outzen’s character and integrity. He added Outzen’s wife Tara and their three children were at “the center of his world.”

“Marcus’s legacy is not only in his achievements but in the love he shared and the lives he touched. Indeed he loved them deeply in return,” Dempton said. “Throughout his life, Marcus cultivated a vast circle of friends who admired his genuine care and the respect he showed to all.”

He was also an avid golfer, often playing with Dempton and former FSU and Tampa Bay Bucs receiver Barry Smith. Dempton also pointed to the special connection that Outzen’s father, Eric Outzen, had with his son and his friends.

“He had a magical connection and was instrumental in the development of this amazing kind of human,” Dempton said.

Added Smith: “We are all speechless.

“Marcus loved Florida State, a great family fan and so passionate. I am devastated for his wife and kids. Every time you saw him, he always had a great smile.”