University of Miami defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald was robbed by armed suspects early Saturday morning at a short-term rental property in Florida City, according to police.
Florida City police said that Fitzgerald was attending a party at an Airbnb when several suspects armed with rifles entered the home and robbed him. Police said the suspects stole jewelry. No injuries were reported.
Authorities did not immediately release descriptions of the suspects or announce any arrests. The investigation is ongoing.
Fitzgerald is a freshman defensive back for the Hurricanes and a Miami native who played at Christopher Columbus High School. Fitzgerald had two interceptions, including the final one with 24 seconds left to seal it, against Texas A&M in the first round of the CFP.
The incident comes at a high-profile moment for Miami's program. The Hurricanes are coming off a 31-27 win over Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff semifinal and are set to play Indiana in the national championship game on Jan. 19 in Miami Gardens.
Bryce Fitzgerald has been an integral part to Miami's success this season
Fitzgerald has played in 15 games and leads Miami with six interceptions, returning those picks for 79 yards. He has 15 total tackles (10 solo), plus one tackle for loss and one sack, both going for 10 yards. He also added two pass breakups and two quarterback hurries.
Fitzgerald was a consensus four-star defensive back who was rated among the top safeties nationally by major scouting services, including being listed as the No. 74 overall player in the nation by Rivals.
At Columbus, Fitzgerald helped the Explorers win a 2023 state title, totaling 11 interceptions during his junior year.
He picked Miami over offers from a long list of schools that included Auburn, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Texas A&M and USC, among others.