Florida State's Phil Cofer told after NCAA Tournament game his father died

Cofer, a senior, did not play Thursday due to a right foot injury

Florida State senior Phil Cofer learned Thursday, following the Seminoles' first round victory over Vermont, that his father had died. He received a call after the game in the locker room with the news.

Cofer's father, Mike, was a Pro Bowl linebacker for the Detroit Lions for 10 seasons in the 1980s and '90s. He had suffered from an illness for some time, according to several reports.

Folks, please keep FSU's Phil Cofer in your thoughts. His father, who has been ill for some time, has passed away. Phil found out after today's game. So incredibly sad. His teammates are comforting him as best they can.

— Ira Schoffel (@IraSchoffel) March 21, 2019

Phil Cofer did not play in Thursday's game. He was ruled out before tipoff due to a right foot injury and was seen in a walking boot on the bench. He has been battling injuries off and on this season after a breakout junior season in 2017-18, in which he led the team in scoring.

Cofer is averaging 7.4 points this season. Florida State faces No. 12 seed Murray State in the second round Saturday.