FSU quarterback Marcus Outzen dies of complications from HLH. What we know
Dismay and sadness have surrounded the Outzen family after news was released about the death of former Florida State quarterback Marcus Outzen.
Outzen, 46, was nicknamed "The Rooster" for his red hair and fiery demeanor. He died Tuesday, April 30, in Tampa from complications associated with a rare immune deficiency disorder.
Here's what we know and how people have reacted to news of Outzen's death.
Marcus Outzen played for FSU Seminoles under Bobby Bowden
Outzen was a quarterback for the Seminoles from 1996 to 2000 under the late Bobby Bowden, spending most of the time backing up Thad Busby and Chris Weinke, according to Sports Illustrated.
In 1998, after Weinke suffered a neck injury, Outzen was put into a starting role for the final three games of the season. He led Florida State to victories over Wake Forest and Florida, which earned the team a berth in the first BCS National Championship Game.
A 23-12 win over the No. 4 Gators extended FSU's home unbeaten streak to 40 games and lead Bowden to sing to his players in the locker room to honor Outzen.
Marcus Outzen career stats with FSU
Outzen, from Fort Walton Beach, played at FSU from 1996-2000 and started the Seminoles' national championship loss to Tennessee 23-16 in the 1999 Fiesta Bowl.
Outzen, primary a backup at FSU, completed 72 of 121 for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns with six interceptions during his career.
He also had 142 yards and four more scores.
How did Marcus Outzen die?
Outzen was recently diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, also known as HLH, a severe, systemic inflammatory syndrome.
What is HLH?
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, or HLH, is a rare disease that usually occurs in infants and young children, although it may also occur in adults.
For people with HLH, the body's immune system, doesn't work normally. Some white blood cells attack other blood cells. These abnormal blood cells collect in your spleen and liver, causing these organs to enlarge, according to Johns Hopkins.
How does someone get HLH?
Children usually inherit the disease. In adults, different conditions can cause HLH, including:
Viral infections, especially Epstein-Barr virus
Other infections
A weak or diseased immune system
Cancer
What are symptoms of HLH?
According to Johns Hopkins, the most common symptoms of HLH include fever and enlargement of the spleen. Other possible symptoms include:
Enlargement of your liver
Swollen lymph nodes
Skin rashes
Jaundice (yellow color of your skin and eyes)
Lung problems, including coughing and difficulty breathing
Digestive problems, including stomachache, vomiting, and diarrhea
Nervous system problems, including headache, trouble walking, visual disturbances, and weakness
What is the survival rate of HLH?
The mortality of HLH varies according to the underlying cause but is typically high, around 40% mortality in rheumatic diseases to 72% in some lymphomas, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Is there a cure and can you recover from HLH?
Treatment of HLH depends on the cause, age when the disease started, and how severe the disease is, according to Johns Hopkins.
The acquired form of HLH may clear up if the healthcare provider identifies the cause and treats the disease.
Familial-type HLH is usually fatal if not treated.
Fans, family take to social media to express reactions to Marcus Outzen's death
Rest In Peace @MarcusOutzen. I love you so much Dad 🕊️
— ✝️Colton Outzen✝️ (@colton_outzen) May 1, 2024
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Marcus Outzen last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all that he impacted. RIP Rooster. pic.twitter.com/XFfzlzeYwI
— Tallahassee QB Club (@TQB_Club) May 1, 2024
The Vikings have a heavy heart and sadness with the passing of our very own Viking, Marcus Outzen. Nicknamed "The Rooster" Marcus Outzen passed away on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024, after battling Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis. pic.twitter.com/x60F6ur8tl
— Fort Walton Beach Athletics (@FWB_Athletics) May 1, 2024
We are saddened to hear about the passing of former FSU quarterback Marcus "Rooster" Outzen. We'd like to send our condolences to his family. RIP 🙏 pic.twitter.com/vdKwP8BM1m
— Plant The Spear (@Plantthespear1) May 1, 2024
Rest Easy Rooster @MarcusOutzen https://t.co/AMaR0LXAvO pic.twitter.com/QHAktQYOep
— Travis Johnson (@trapj99) May 1, 2024
I am so sorry to hear about your dad, Colton. He was a memorable guy for so many of us. The Rooster will always hold a special place in the hearts of Seminole fans.
— @RealManOfGenius (@realmanofgenius) May 2, 2024
bro…… words can not explain how my heart dropped this morning hearing this coach marcus was a outstanding man, father, husband, and coach. Over the last 2 years I have got to know him he has changed me as a player and a person. My prayers go out to his family and my teammate❤️ https://t.co/2OA61Ke3i8
— Michael Mclendon (@Michael72109817) May 1, 2024
RIP Marcus Outzen, nicknamed “The Rooster” for his red hair and fiery demeanor. He was my former student-athlete at Florida State and was a friend. He will be missed. @FSUFootball pic.twitter.com/bd5Xn99sGh
— Russ Barbarino, MS, MSCC, RSCC*E, CSCS, SCCC (@CoachBarbarino) May 1, 2024
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Marcus Outzen, FSU quarterback, dies of HLH. About the disease