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When healthy, Alex Anzalone was a very productive player for the Florida Gators.
Unfortunately, the Pennsylvania native had a very difficult time staying healthy throughout his four-year career. He’s battled two season-ending injuries (shoulder, broken arm) and also tore a labrum in his shoulder as a freshman.
The career of a football player is shortened when compared to other sports. With injuries piling up, Anzalone — a redshirt junior — opted to bypass his remaining year of eligibility in favor of entering the 2017 NFL Draft:
Thank you Gator Nation https://t.co/CbMyZ9LnJB pic.twitter.com/fHvv57xtvp
— Alex Anzalone (@AlexAnzalone34) January 4, 2017
Anzalone penned a personalized note to the fan base in The Swamp. Here’s an excerpt:
Growing up the biggest Florida fan in Wyomissing, Penn., I remember sitting in my living room watching the Gators play on television every Saturday. Each time Rex Grossman threw a touchdown, I would jump up and down and yell as I ran around the whole house. As I got older, I remember telling my dad, ‘There’s no way I can ever play for them.’ He insisted that anything is possible and if I really set my mind to something, I could accomplish it. He was right.
The University of Florida has prepared me well to embrace my decision to enter the NFL Draft. I will forever bleed Orange and Blue. Thank you for everything Gator Nation.
