Former Vikings TE Retires After 12 NFL Seasons
Josh Frey
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A former Vikings TE and a longtime fan favorite in Minnesota has decided to retire after 12 NFL seasons.
That former Viking is Kyle Rudolph, whom Minnesota selected in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. NFL insider Jordan Schultz tweeted on Monday morning, “2x Pro Bowl TE Kyle Rudolph tells me he’ll officially retire as a member of the Minnesota @Vikings organization. Rudolph says the #Vikings will honor around their Week 3 game against the #Chargers. Should be a very special weekend for Kyle and his family.”
Former Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph Retires
In total, Rudolph played 140 regular season games for the Vikings, including 132 starts, and he caught 453 passes for 4488 yards and 48 TDs. Among tight ends in Vikings history, he ranks second in receptions and receiving yards, trailing only Steve Jordan, and has more touchdowns than anyone at the position.
After his career with the Vikings, Rudolph played the 2021 season with the New York Giants. He appeared 16 games for the franchise and made 13 starts, but he remained a very limited part of their offense. He caught 26 passes for 257 yards and a single touchdown. The totals were among the lowest of his career since his rookie season.
Then, 2022 saw Rudolph join Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he did not start a single game and caught just three passes for 28 yards and a touchdown.
Earlier this offseason, Rudolph was named as part of the NBC announcing team, and he will be covering of Big Ten college football games for the network this fall. Now, the tight end has officially hung up his cleats to focus on this new chapter in his football career.
Rudolph actually had the chance to announce Notre Dame’s spring game this April, and his performance in the booth was impressive enough for NBC to give him a larger role this fall.
Rudolph told The Athletic that his unique relationship with his alma mater gave him this opportunity: “One-hundred percent. It was without question the reason why,” the tight end explained, “I’m an anomaly, played 12 years in the NFL before starting my next chapter, but Notre Dame was still there opening doors and giving me opportunities.”
The tight end has seen just about everything throughout his playing career, and he should be an excellent addition to the announcing booth this fall.
The Vikings will honor Rudolph during their Week 3 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.