Rocky Balboa Enters Retirement

Sylvester Stallone and Michael B. Jordan in "Creed."

As tough as he is, Rocky can’t go on forever…

Sylvester Stallone created the role of boxer who overcame several obstacles when he himself was a struggling actor. The original story of the southpaw earned the Academy Award for Best Picture, as well as 2 others, and Stallone went on to play the iconic character in another 7 films. Lately, he has been in Creed and Creed II where he played the mentor to Michael B. Jordan’s character.

But now, in an Instagram video, he has officially passed on the mantle…

“I just want to thank everyone around the whole wide world for taking the Rocky family into their hearts for over 40 years. It’s been my ultimate privilege to have been able to create and play this meaningful character,” the 72-year-old wrote in the caption. “Though it breaks my heart, sadly all things must pass and end. I love you kind and generous people, and the most wonderful thing of all, is that Rocky will never die because he lives on in you.”

So long, Rocky. You fought well.