Mike Norvell opens up on what this year's team means to Florida State

It wasn’t the ending anyone would’ve liked, but Mike Norvell recognizes that the 2023 Florida State Seminoles squad was special.

After winning the ACC title back in December, it was heartbreak after heartbreak for Norvell’s squad. They were left out of the College Football Playoff after an undefeated, conference-championship-winning season, and then dealt with a tremendous amount of opt-outs before a matchup against Georgia in the Orange Bowl.

Their 60-point loss to the Bulldogs was far from representative of the season they had up until that point. Speaking with the media afterwards, Norvell elaborated on what this year’s team meant to the program as a whole.

“This team, it’s a special team, and it’s one that — like I said, they were champions on the field, but they also lived it off the field. Highest ever team GPA in a fall semester, pushing 2.95 I think it was, pushing 3.0. The service that they do in the community. They do it right. I believe that’s what’s allowed them to have this success,” Norvell started. “We’ve had to overcome a lot of adversity throughout the years, and a lot of guys that have been on that journey, and they did it the right way. They have set a foundation for where we’re going.

“Even though tonight was a disappointing performance, we have a special, special foundation that’s been laid, and there is an expectation, and I know how our guys will respond. We have guys that were thrust into action tonight that really haven’t got as much work. There was plenty opportunities for growth. But this team and what they did and what they stood for, what they represented, they appreciate our fan base. They appreciate all Seminoles that have come before them, past players. They’re grateful to help Florida State, and they will forever be Seminoles.”

Norvell makes some great points, putting it all in perspective for the Seminoles. Continuing, he stated his gratefulness to the team, and why their performance helped give them life lessons they can apply to any walk of life.

“That group that played their last game and are moving on to the next step of their life, they’re going to have life lessons that are going to allow them to achieve all things that are in front of them,” Norvell added. “We are definitely grateful for this team and for the fan base and all that we represent within our university because it is a special place, and it’s because of the people.”

Hopefully for Florida State and Mike Norvell, this is only the beginning of something special. Time will tell, but the Seminoles will be looking to prove they’re here to stay over the next couple of seasons.