Gators TE Keon Zipperer medically retires from football
The playing career of Florida Gators tight end Keon Zipperer has come to a close, as the Lakeland (Fla.) native announced his status on Sunday evening.
A former Under Armour All-American, Zipperer has not appeared in a game over the past two seasons due to injury. He last played in 2022, having appeared in eight games and started six of them. He finished that season with 13 receptions for 177 yards and one touchdown. Prior to that, Zipperer appeared in 31 additional games between the 2019-21 seasons.
“My football career came to an end after a serious leg injury and multiple surgeries in 2023, challenges I’m still working to overcome,” Zipperer posted on social media on Sunday. “Yet, through it all, I’ve come to trust that God has a bigger plan for my life. Sometimes, our dreams change — not because we’ve failed, but because we’re meant to follow a path we never anticipated.
“Even in this difficult season, I believe there’s a purpose behind the pain. My faith gives me strength each day, knowing these challenges are shaping me for a future that will be even more meaningful than I once imagined.
“Thank you, Coach Dan Mullen and Coach Billy Napier, for embracing me as I am and giving me the chance to be a Florida Gator. You believed in me through every high and low, allowing me to be part of something larger than myself. Wearing that Gator uniform, representing Florida with #9, has been an honor I’ll carry with me always. The lessons, friendships and experiences I gained as a Gator will forever be a part of who I am, and I’m proud to be part of the Gator Nation.”
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As a 2019 prospect, Zipperer was the No. 95-ranked prospect and No. 2-ranked tight end. He was also a top-15 senior in the state of Florida. That is according to the On3 Industry Ranking.
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