​What began as a routine fishing trip turned into a life-saving moment for Florida State offensive lineman Jayden Todd. Todd was recognized on 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 his Florida State teammates Blake Nichelson, AJ Cottrill, and Caleb LaVallee were fishing when they spotted a distressed vessel. An unconscious man, later identified as Michael Hoffmann, was floating in the water, kept afloat by a life jacket as people aboard the boat called for help.
Todd, a Dublin, Georgia native, sprang into action, leaping into the river and swimming toward the struggling boat. The 6-foot-6, 314-pound redshirt sophomore used his strength to drag Hoffmann from the water and onto the vessel, a pivotal moment in the rescue, according to Citrus County authorities. As the rescue progressed, additional help arrived. Citrus County Sheriff’s Deputy Robbie Crosnoe arrived with an automated external defibrillator, and former firefighter and EMT Seth Greco assisted with CPR. After multiple shocks from the AED and roughly 10 minutes of lifesaving care, Hoffmann regained consciousness and was transported to a local hospital.
Authorities credited the coordinated effort of Todd, Crosnoe, and Greco with saving Hoffmann’s life. While Todd described himself as a true hero, he downplayed the recognition, saying it was “just something that needed to happen” and that he happened to be in the right place at the right time.
As a redshirt sophomore, Todd appeared in all 12 games on special teams for the Seminoles last season. The incident left him shaken, yet he emphasized his gratitude that everything fell into place when it mattered most. For Todd, the honor was meaningful, but the reward was more personal: a fishing trip that turned into an act of bravery, helping to ensure a stranger could go home to his family.
This season, Florida State football is preparing for a schedule that includes anticipated matchups and televised showdowns. The 2026 slate features games across various networks, with dates and broadcast times highlighting notable frays, such as a season opener and a high-profile matchup against Alabama, along with rivalry games and conference clashes throughout the fall. The team’s broader calendar includes crucial matchups that could shape their trajectory in the race for conference title contention and a potential postseason bid.
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. For tip submissions or story ideas about a high school athlete, you can reach him at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @ _Da_pistol. This article originally appeared in the Tallahassee Democrat and has been updated for SEO and reader context, with emphasis on providing a complete recounting of Todd’s courageous act and its significance within the program.