Former Florida State quarterback Marcus Outzen, who began for the Seminoles within the first-ever BCS Championship Recreation, has died. Outzen’s dying was shared on social media by his son, Colton, and later confirmed by the Tallahassee Democrat. Based on the Democrat, Outzen died from problems related to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, a uncommon immune deficiency dysfunction.

A local of Fort Walton Seaside, Florida, Outzen — affectionately identified by the nickname “Rooster” — spent 5 seasons within the Seminoles program underneath legendary coach Bobby Bowden from 1996-2000. He was famously pressed into motion in the course of the last weeks of the 1998 season after starter Chris Weinke suffered a neck harm, even because the Seminoles battled for a nationwide title spot. 

Outzen began the ultimate two video games of the common season, each of which carried nice significance. With Outzen on the helm, the Seminoles beat Wake Forest 24-7 earlier than closing the common season with a 23-12 victory over rival Florida. 

The Gators have been ranked No. 4 on the time, and the victory helped propel the No. 5 Seminoles up the rankings. Due to that win and different outcomes across the nation, the ‘Noles discovered their approach to No. 2 within the BCS rankings and a date in opposition to No. 1 Tennessee within the Fiesta Bowl with the nationwide championship at stake.

The Volunteers received the sport 23-16 within the third and last begin of Outzen’s profession. Although Weinke returned to carry the beginning job for the subsequent two seasons, Outzen remained in this system because the backup and graduated in 2000 with a enterprise communications diploma. Outzen labored for Guardian Well being within the Tampa Bay Space, in response to his LinkedIn profile.