Former Florida State QB Marcus Outzen dead at 46 after battling rare illness

Former Florida State quarterback Marcus Outzen died Tuesday evening in Tampa at age 46 from complications associated with a rare immune deficiency disorder.

According to the Tallahassee Democrat, Outzen was recently diagnosed with HLH (hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis). The condition led to his death.

Outzen is best known for his stint filling in for starting quarterback Chris Weinke late in the 1998 season. He started and won games against Wake Forest and Florida to help Florida State advance to the BCS Championship that year.

The win over No. 4 Florida pushed Florida State’s home winning streak out to 40 games, while simultaneously preventing Steve Spurrier from getting his first win in Tallahassee.

“Boy, I was so proud of him,” FSU coach Bobby Bowden said at the time. “Boy, he did what it took to win.”

Marcus Outzen started the title game against Tennessee but ultimately fell short, with the ‘Noles losing 23-16.

The news of Outzen’s death was shared on social media by his son, Colton.

“Rest In Peace @MarcusOutzen. I love you so much Dad,” Colton wrote.

Well wishes for the Outzen family began pouring in from all corners on social media on Wednesday afternoon as the news of his death made its way around.

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” wrote former Tallahassee Democrat reporter and current Warchant.com managing editor Ira Schoffel in a tweet to Colton. “It was obvious in his tweets how proud he was of you and how much he loved you. May that love and all of your memories bring comfort to you and your family, and may he rest in peace.”

Added WPTV’s digital executive producer Pete Burke:

“I had the pleasure of getting to know @MarcusOutzen while I was at FSU. He was really funny and had a great sense of humor. He also beat the Gators when nobody thought we’d stand a chance. I’ll never forget him.”