Former FSU football quarterback Marcus Outzen has died at the age of 46

Former Florida State quarterback Marcus Outzen died Tuesday at age 46. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, Outzen had been battling complications from HLH, or hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, which is defined by the Immune Deficiency Foundation as a severe, systemic inflammatory syndrome. The unfortunate news was shared on social media by his son Colton.

Outzen played quarterback for the Seminoles from 1996 to 2000 under the late Bobby Bowden. He spent most of his career supporting Thad Busby and Chris Weinke in some of the program's most legendary performances. Outzen was forced into the starting lineup for the final three games of the 1998 season after Weinke suffered a neck injury. He led Florida State to victories over Wake Forest and Florida, which earned the team a berth in the first BCS National Championship Game.

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The Seminoles ultimately failed with a 23-16 loss to Tennessee. However, they avenged the loss a year later by defeating Virginia Tech in New Orleans to win the first of Florida State's three national titles. Outzen completed 72/121 passes for 1,074 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions during his time in garnet and gold. He also ran for 142 yards and scored four more scores.

The Fort Walton native was nicknamed “Rooster” because of his red hair and demeanor. He earned a bachelor's degree in corporate communications from Florida State. Outzen worked as a senior oncology specialist for Guardant Health in Tampa for the past nine years.

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