Travis Vokolek retires from NFL after neck injury
The former Cardinals tight end said doctors and neurologists advised him to medically retire after a neck injury suffered last season.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
2 min read
Travis Vokolek’s NFL career is over at 28 after a neck injury that he said led doctors and neurologists to advise him to stop playing.
The former Arizona Cardinals tight end announced his retirement Wednesday night on Instagram, saying the injury was serious enough to force a medical exit from the league. ESPN reported that Vokolek was hurt on a kickoff return during a game against the Indianapolis Colts last season.
In his post, Vokolek said he had met with doctors and neurologists several times over recent months before receiving the recommendation to retire from the NFL. He said the decision followed a neck injury sustained during the previous season.
Vokolek framed the announcement as a goodbye to football after three years in the league, writing that he was grateful to have reached the NFL and lived out what he described as a childhood dream. He also said the sport had given him life lessons and lasting memories.
The tight end thanked teammates, coaches, trainers and others who supported him and his family during his career. He singled out the Cardinals’ training staff, saying on Instagram that they provided strong care and support during what he called a hard time.
Vokolek also thanked his wife, saying she had been with him through the ups and downs of his NFL run and had supported him throughout.
The retirement cuts short a professional career that Vokolek said he approached with passion, determination and discipline. In the closing portion of his Instagram message, he said he believed he had given everything he had on the field and thanked people for their support.
Vokolek’s announcement did not include additional medical details beyond the neck injury and the advice he said he received from doctors and neurologists. The Cardinals were identified by ESPN as his former team.
The injury occurred during the 2025 season, according to ESPN, and the medical follow-up stretched into the months before his announcement. With the post, Vokolek made clear that his playing days are finished because of medical advice tied to the neck issue.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.