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Florida TE Keon Zipperer announces medical retirement from football
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Florida TE Keon Zipperer says his football playing days have come to a close.
Zipperer took to social media to make the announcement.
My football career came to an end after a serious injury and multiple surgeries in 2023, challenges I’m still working to overcome,” Zipperer wrote. “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 No. 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. Forever Florida
Out of Lakeland (Florida) High School, Zipperer was ranked 4-stars and the No. 2 tight end in the nation on the 247Sports Composite. He and 2 other Lakeland teammates publicly chose UF over Miami, giving the Mullen staff a big recruiting boost at the time.
Zipperer was listed as a redshirt senior on Florida’s 2024 roster. His injury occurred in spring camp of 2023, causing him to miss the past 2 seasons. It’s not immediately clear what Zipperer’s eligibility would have been had he recovered from his injury.
Zipperer made 41 appearances for Florida from 2019-22. He finishes with 38 catches for 486 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
