Vikings Veteran Calls It a Career After Tough Stretch
C.J. Ham, Minnesota’s fullback for nearly a decade, announced his retirement shortly after the conclusion of the 2025 campaign. The jury is still out on Harrison Smith’s career decision. On Friday, Vikings center Ryan Kelly called it a career.
In a social media post, he wrote, “10 seasons. What an incredible ride it was. I was blessed to be around some of the greatest people this sport has to offer. I always wanted to leave each place better than how I found it and with that I can hang my hat. Forever grateful for my family and brothers! Cheers”
Kelly spent his entire career — until last season — with the Indianapolis Colts, where he certainly met the high expectations that go along with the 1st-round investment the Colts made in 2016. The center represented the Colts at the Pro Bowl four times, but he was let go after an injury-plagued 2024 season.
It truly is a shame Vikings fans got to see him in only eight games, as concussions completely derailed his short Vikings stint. Initially signed a two-year, $18 million contract last March, Kelly suffered one in Week 2, another shortly after returning in Dublin, and a third in Week 16. After three head injuries in one season, the Vikings shut him down — and the veteran ultimately chose to step away from football.
The decision didn’t come as a huge surprise, but his tenure remains a disappointment for reasons nobody could control.
Kelly didn’t play much in purple, but his blocking skills were evident early in his tenure as the anchor of the offensive line the franchise had been looking for. The dropoff to the backups was too much to overcome in some instances.
At first, the Vikings turned to backup Michael Jurgens, a 2024 7th-rounder. The sophomore suffered an injury, too, and the coaching staff had to improvise. For nearly half the season, versatile backup lineman Blake Brandel snapped the ball — not always with the desired outcome.
Those two guys remain candidates to claim the vacant starting job. The Vikings could find a veteran replacement in free agency. This year’s class is headlined by Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, who’s likely too expensive for the club. Other experienced centers are available, though.
Another avenue is the Draft. The Vikings finally have enough picks to address roster holes. A center usually can be found on Day 2 of the Draft.
The good news is that the other four positions along the line will provide continuity. The excellent tackle duo of Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill is set to return for another season. Their 2025 season was also overshadowed by injury concerns they are hoping to overcome this offseason.
Guards Donovan Jackson and Will Fries could benefit from more consistency at the other three positions. Fries didn’t play up to the level his expensive deal suggested he could reach, while Jackson had a solid rookie season.
Though his time in Minnesota was brief, Kelly’s toughness and professionalism left an impression. After a decade in the trenches, he walks away respected across the league.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.