The Arizona Cardinals signed tight end Travis Vokolek in 2023. Photo by Isaac Esquivel/EPA
Former Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek, who injured his neck in October, medically retired from the NFL, he announced on social media.
The 28-year-old appeared in eight games over the last three years. He was a free agent this off-season.
Vokolek, who played at Rutgers and Nebraska, entered the league in 2023 as an undrafted free agent signing= by the Baltimore Ravens. He signed with the Cardinals the same year.
“After numerous visits with doctors and neurologists over the past couple of months, I have been advised to medically retire from the NFL due to a serious neck injury that I suffered this past season,” Vokolek wrote on his social media platforms.
“I am extremely grateful and blessed to have been able to live out my childhood dream of playing football at the highest level for the past three years.
“Football has taught me many life lessons and given me unforgettable memories.”
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Vokolek sustained his neck injury after being hit by linebacker Segun Olubi during a kick return in the first quarter of a 31-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 12 in Indianapolis. He was placed on a stretcher and carted off the field.
“I am forever grateful to all my teammates, coaches, trainers, and others who have supported my family and I along the way,” Vokolek wrote.
“A sincere thank you to the Arizona Cardinals training staff for being first class with the care and support they provided my family and I during this hard time.”
Vokolek also thanked his wife for her support during his recovery process.
“I have attacked everyday of being a professional football player with passion, determination, and discipline,” Vokolek wrote. “I can say that I truly left everything out on the field. Thank you for all of the love and support. Lastly, thank you football!”
