What began as a routine fishing trip ended with Florida State offensive lineman Jayden Todd helping save a man’s life.
Todd was honored Tuesday by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office for his role in rescuing an unconscious boater on the Homosassa River last month.
According to Warchant.com, Todd and fellow Florida State teammates Blake Nichelson, AJ Cottrill and Caleb LaVallee were fishing when they spotted a boat in distress. An unconscious man, later identified as Michael Hoffmann, was floating in the water and being kept afloat by a life jacket while others aboard the vessel called for help.
Todd, a Dublin, Georgia native, immediately jumped into the river and swam to the boat.
The 6-foot-6, 314-pound offensive lineman helped pull Hoffmann from the water and back aboard the vessel, a critical step in the rescue effort, according to Citrus County authorities.
Additional help soon arrived. Citrus County Sheriff’s Deputy Robbie Crosnoe responded with an automated external defibrillator, while former firefighter and EMT Seth Greco assisted with CPR. After multiple shocks from the AED and about 10 minutes of lifesaving care, Hoffmann regained consciousness and was transported to a local hospital.
Authorities credited the combined efforts of Todd, Crosnoe and Greco for helping save Hoffmann’s life. While he labeled a true hero, Todd, however, downplayed the recognition.
“It was just something that needed to happen,” he told Warchant. “I was able to be there at the right place and right time.”
A redshirt sophomore, Todd appeared in all 12 games on special teams for the Seminoles last season. While the rescue left him shaken, he said he remains grateful that everything came together when it mattered most.
For Todd, the honor was appreciated. But the real reward was knowing a fishing trip turned into something far more meaningful — helping ensure a stranger made it home safely.
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Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don’t hesitate to get in touch with him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU’s offensive lineman Jayden Todd recognized for heroic river rescue
Reporting by Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat | USA TODAY Network
