(CNN) — Florida State football player Ethan Pritchard, who was shot in the back of the head in August, was released from hospital on Thursday.

“Ethan is alert, responsive and able to communicate. We are thankful for the efforts, thoughts and prayers of so many people and ask that you continue to support Ethan and his family as this process continues,” the Florida State Seminoles said in a statement.

Pritchard was at the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and will continue his recovery at Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville, according to the team.

The freshman’s teammates and coaching staff joined him at the hospital Thursday and applauded Pritchard as he was released, as seen in videos on social media.

Pritchard’s father, Earl Pritchard, thanked the Seminoles for their support, including

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