Viral shirtless FSU book reader returns in Clemson loss

Back in 2018 when Florida State was having a tough season under Willie Taggart, a fan went viral for sitting in the stands with a book. He was shirtless as well, instantly becoming a meme on social media. Even to this day, people reference the moment and remember the hilarity.

Flash forward six years to the present day and he is back inside Doak S. Campbell Stadium, watching Florida State take on Clemson. Just like years ago, the result is not a pretty one for the Seminoles as the ESPN broadcast showed him with FSU trailing 29-13.

The man was sitting all alone in a practically empty stadium, reading another book. Play-by-play commentator Mark Jones actually saw him earlier in the day, knowing he would be in the stands to watch Florida State play. Jones hypothesized the book reader is not too happy with the result.

“That is the Florida State book guy,” Jones said on the broadcast. “He’s back. I’m going to say this — I met him today when I was on my run on the Apalachee Parkway. I would love to know what book he’s reading, though. He said he was going to be at the game tonight, he promised. May not like this scoreboard right now.”

FSU book guy has returned pic.twitter.com/uDXUHJchVd

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) October 6, 2024

Hopefully, the Florida State book guy enjoyed last season a little more because 2024 has not been great for them. Head coach Mike Norvell has seen his team struggle, no matter the opponent, and the soon-to-be loss against Clemson will drop the Seminoles to a 1-5 record.

The schedule is not getting any easier. Although, FSU does hit the road for their next two games. Nov. 2 against North Carolina will be the next inside Doak S. Campbell Stadium — three of four games in November will be at home.

If there is a place to read a book, not many would choose a college football venue but at this point, Florida State book guy might be a tradition.