An Epochal Open Letter from Mike Norvell
To the Florida State Seminoles, our passionate fans, and the entire FSU community
Dear Seminole Family,
As I sit down to write this letter, my heart swells with pride, gratitude, and an enduring sense of responsibility. Florida State University has never just been a place of work for me—it has been a calling, a mission, and an honor. Every day I’ve worn garnet and gold, I’ve carried the weight and the privilege of representing a tradition that runs deeper than football. It is a tradition of grit, of excellence, and of an unbreakable brotherhood.
When I first arrived in Tallahassee, I saw a program rich with legacy and potential. But more than that, I saw a community hungry to rise—not just to remember the past, but to build a future worthy of our shared standard. Together, we embraced that challenge. We endured trials. We were doubted. And yet, in the face of it all, we never blinked.
To the players—past and present—you are the heartbeat of this journey. You trusted a vision and gave everything to make it real. Your sweat, your discipline, your belief built this foundation. You are warriors, scholars, and brothers in arms.
To the fans—your support has never wavered. Through the highs and the lows, your voice echoed across Doak Campbell like thunder, lifting us when we needed it most. You are the soul of Seminole football. Your faith inspired us to keep pushing, to keep climbing, and to never lose sight of who we are.
And to the Florida State community—the faculty, the staff, the students, and the alumni—thank you for believing in our purpose. Thank you for standing tall and proud, even when the path wasn’t easy.
We have unfinished business. The goals we set were never about one season, one game, or one moment. They’ve always been about something bigger: restoring the Seminole standard and creating a legacy that the next generation can build on. And make no mistake—we’re still climbing. Every day. Always play. And every opportunity.
This letter is not goodbye. It’s a recommitment. A vow. That as long as I have the privilege of leading this team, I will give everything I have—mind, body, and spirit—to this program, this university, and this family.
The climb continues. And the best is still to come.
With all my heart,
Mike Norvell
Head Football Coach
Florida State University