TE Travis Vokolek retires due to neck injury suffered last season

Tight end Travis Vokolek has announced his retirement from the NFL at age 28. This decision follows a severe neck injury sustained during a game last October while he was playing for the Arizona Cardinals.

Vokolek confirmed the news on his social media account. He stated that he reached this conclusion after extensive consultations with multiple doctors and neurologists over the past two months. The medical advice he received led him to step away from professional football for his long-term health.

The injury occurred during a kickoff return against the Indianapolis Colts. Replays from the game showed Vokolek going down after contact from Colts linebacker Segun Olubi. He was treated on the field by medical staff and required immobilization before being carted off. He spent the remainder of the season on injured reserve.

Vokolek entered the league in 2023 as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens. He later joined the Arizona Cardinals, where he served as a depth tight end and contributed on special teams. He appeared in four of the team's first five games last season before the injury ended his campaign. He was a free agent this offseason after the team chose not to tender him a contract.

His departure marks the end of a three-year professional career. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reach the professional level and noted the value of the experiences he gained during his time in the league.