Amidst victory, the Noles experienced loss Thursday afternoon.
Immediately following Florida State's 76-69 win in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, senior Phil Cofer received word that his father, former Detroit Lions' linebacker Michael Cofer, had passed away from a year-long illness.
Cofer, a Fayetteville, GA. native, was inactive for Thursday's game with a foot injury. He has remained with the team in Hartford, C.T., but is expected to reunite with his family after Saturday's second-round meeting with Murray State.
The NCAA and FSU Athletics Compliance Department have approved Cofer's creation of a GoFundMe to raise funds to cover funeral and existing expenses from Michael Cofer's prolonged illness. The GoFundMe has already raised over $32,000.
If you would like to contribute, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/funeral-and-medical-expenses-for-michael-cofer
Michael Cofer, 58, was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1983 and spent his entire career in the Motor City. He was named to the 1988 Pro Bowl after registering 12 sacks. Michael played collegiality at the University of Tennessee.
His wife, Phil's mother, Reba, played basketball at the University of Tennessee.
Phil Cofer has appeared in 22 games this year, averaging 7.4 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. He has missed 14 games due to different leg injuries this season.
