Mike Norvell Gives Heartfelt Speech As FSU Football Ends Season In Orange Bowl
Florida State football released its final cinematic recap of the 2023 campaign following the 63-3 loss to Georgia Bulldogs in the Orange Bowl. Within that recap, head coach Mike Norvell gave an emotional speech that included somewhat of an unorthodox approach following a blowout loss.
After being left out of the College Football Playoff despite being an undefeated, power five conference champion, the Seminoles were significantly outmanned against the Bulldogs. Fielding mostly second and third stringers due to a much greater number of starters that either opted out, dealt with injury, or transferred, the ’Noles found themselves in a game that snowballed into a historic defeat.
However, that is not how Mike Norvell looked at the situation.
He wasn’t angry or disappointed. In fact, he was grateful for the team and even apologized for the performance in Miami, saying they “deserved better” than the box score.
“I am grateful for you. I’m grateful for what you’ve done. I’m grateful for who you are. You deserve better than that. I apologize to you. You guys that are playing your last game: you had a season that will be remembered forever. I respect the hell out of who you are, for being in here today, for stepping on that field and going and giving it your everything, forever. You have my respect," concluded Norvell.
At the beginning of the speech, Norvell stood in the locker room and spoke on the unfairness of life, the non-guarantees of hard work, and the legacy of the team.
“Because, in life, there’s going to be a lot of things you cannot explain, you cannot put your finger on, but ultimately, you’re always going to have a choice,” Norvell said to begin his speech. “You’re going to have a choice about what you want to do, how you want to do it, what you want it to look like.”
He continued by exploring the idea that while hard work doesn't guarantee victories, it frequently positions those who consistently practice it in better spots to win.
“I told you since the very first day that I came here: hard work does not guarantee success. It doesn’t and it never will. But it absolutely will put you in the best position to achieve it. I think it’s one thing that we’ve seen throughout the course of this season. We got some remarkable men that are sitting here in front of me,” said Norvell.
Norvell carried on, praising the team for their efforts.
“And the work you put in, the decision that you made? Just to say yes, because you know what? It’s really easy when things don’t go well. And you’re hurt. And you’re angry. And you’re sad. The easy thing to do is to pull back and stop. That’s what the world wants you to do. But there’s only a select few people that are willing to freaking fight,” Norvell said.
Florida State will open up the 2024 season in Dublin, Ireland against Georgia Tech in a week zero matchup.
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