NFL news: Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek retires at 28
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The Arizona Cardinals’ roster took a big hit on Wednesday.
Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek announced he will be retiring from the sport at the age of 28 after suffering a neck injury in a game against the Indianapolis Colts. Vokolek was blocking the kickoff and landed awkwardly after hitting a Colts player. He had to be taken off the field on a stretcher.
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Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek (81) faces the Las Vegas Raiders during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (IMAGES BY IMAGN via Reuters Connect)
The 28-year-old player said in his social media post that he quit sports on doctor’s advice.
“After numerous visits with doctors and neurologists over the last few months, I have been advised to medically retire from the NFL due to the severe neck injury I suffered last season,” he wrote in a post on social media. “I am extremely grateful and very happy that I have been able to fulfill my childhood dream of playing football at the highest level in the last three years. Football has taught me many life lessons and given me unforgettable memories.
“I am forever grateful to all of my teammates, coaches, trainers, and everyone else who has supported me and my family along the way. I sincerely thank the Arizona Cardinals practice staff for being top notch with the care and support they provided my family and me during this difficult time.”
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek leaves the field after being injured during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (IMAGES BY IMAGN via Reuters Connect)
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He thanked his wife for always being there for him as he tried to recover from his neck injury.
“I attacked every day with the passion, determination and discipline of being a professional footballer,” he added. “I can truly say that I left it all on the field. Thank you for your love and support. Finally, thank you football!”
Vokolek played college football at Rutgers and Nebraska before deciding to turn pro. He originally joined the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2023 but did not get on-field time with the team.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek warms up before a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (IMAGES BY IMAGN via Reuters Connect)
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He signed with the Cardinals in December 2023. He played eight games for the Cardinals but was never really involved in the offense.
