Recently Retired TE Ben Ellefson Will Remain with Vikings Staff in “Hybrid” Role
Josh Frey
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Last week, Vikings TE Ben Ellefson decided to hang up his cleats after an injury-riddled three-year NFL career. The news was broken via official Minnesota Vikings social media with this message from Ellefson:
Thank you football, for the people you’ve brought into my life and the opportunities you’ve given me to pursue my dreams to the fullest.
I’ve been blessed on my path to have people who believed in me, which has drowned out those who doubted. So, thank you believers, for the chances you’ve taken on me, helping and supporting me in my drive to give this game all I could and to reach my fullest potential. The list is long and I am fortunate.
Everybody’s story is different, and I’m proud to say I’ve given the game of football everything I have.
Injuries are a part of the game, and although they are a big reason for me moving on, I am fortunate to be in a spot where I can still walk away from the game as a player, ready to tackle whatever is next in my life.
Colossians 3: 23-24
However, it doesn’t appear that Ellefson’s time with the Vikings organization has come to an end. On Tuesday afternoon, Kevin Seifert of ESPN tweeted out that head coach Kevin O’Connell stated that Ellefson is remaining on the Vikings staff in a “hybrid” role.
So, what exactly does this mean? Well, the former tight end will be doing some coaching (it seems logical to assume that this will be within the tight end room) as well as scouting for the team. The role is said to be finalized during training camp and will last through the 2023 season, again per Seifert’s tweet.
Ellefson got his NFL career started in 2020, signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars after being an undrafted free agent that spring. He then joined the Vikings in 2021 and re-signed in 2022, playing a total of 16 games at the NFL level, including five starts. He recorded four receptions for 36 yards over his three-year career.
The former Vikings tight end turns 27 years of age in September.
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.