"Best of luck", " Go be great": Fans react as Florida TE Keon Zipperer announces medical retirement after being sidelined for two years

Keon Zipperer’s football career has come to an end. The Florida tight end announced his decision to medically retire Sunday evening after being sidelined for an extended period.

Zipperer has been out of action for the Gators over the past two seasons due to injury. His last game for the program was during the 2022 college football season when he appeared in eight games. That year, he recorded 13 receptions for 177 yards and one touchdown.

Heartfelt messages have poured in for Keon Zipperer since he made his decision known on Sunday. After an eventful start to his college career, injury derailed the tight end’s ambitions. Here’s a look at some of the reactions online:

Here are ther reactions to Keon Zipperer's retirement:

"You will be great! Your story is just beginning!" a fan wrote.

"All the best to you Zipp!" another fan wrote.

"God bless bro. He’s got big things in store for you off the field," another fan wrote.

"Good luck Zipp, thanks for being a gator," another added.

Keon Zipperer looks back at his time at Florida

In his farewell statement, Keon Zipperer expressed his appreciation for his coaches at Florida. The tight end played under two head coaches during his time in Gainesville, and he said both had a significant impact on his college career.

“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,” Zipperer said. “You believed in me through every high and low, allowing me to be part of something larger than myself.”

A product of Lakeland High School in Florida, Zipperer entered college as a highly regarded prospect. He was ranked a 4-star recruit and the No. 2 tight end in the nation, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

Zipperer said having the opportunity to represent Florida meant a lot to him.

“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.”

Zipperer played in 41 games for Florida from 2019 to 2022. During that time, he recorded 38 receptions for 486 yards and four touchdowns. Listed as a redshirt senior on the Gators' 2024 roster, there was anticipation among a section of fans for his return to help the struggling Gators.