Gainesville, FL — Florida Gators tight end Keon Zipperer has officially announced his retirement from football due to a serious knee injury he suffered during spring practice in 2023. Despite multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation efforts, Zipperer was unable to fully recover, leading to his difficult decision to end his playing career
Zipperer, originally from Lakeland, Florida, was a highly rated recruit coming out of high school, ranked as the nation’s No. 2 tight end in the 2019 class. He chose to commit to Florida over other major programs such as Alabama and Miami. Over his college career, he appeared in numerous games, accumulating respectable stats including nearly 500 receiving yards and four touchdowns, becoming an important part of the Gators’ offense.
The 2023 season had the potential to be a breakout year for Zipperer, but the devastating knee injury suffered during spring camp abruptly halted those hopes. After months of surgeries and rehab, it became clear that returning to competitive form was not possible. On December 15, 2024, Zipperer announced his retirement, thanking the Florida coaching staff, teammates, and fans for their support throughout his journey.
Throughout his time with the Gators, Zipperer was admired for his dedication, leadership, and perseverance, leaving a meaningful impact on the program and the locker room. His story resonates with many fans and teammates who have expressed their heartfelt support as he embarks on the next chapter of his life.
Though his playing days have ended, Keon Zipperer’s journey stands as a powerful example of resilience and commitment, and the Florida Gators community continues to wish him well in all his future endeavors beyond the field.