Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek retires at age 28 after suffering severe neck injury during 2025 season

The Arizona Cardinals’ roster took a huge hit on Wednesday.

Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek announced he was retiring from the sport at 28 after he suffered a neck injury during a game against the Indianapolis Colts. Vokolek was blocking during a kickoff and landed awkwardly after hitting a Colts player. He needed to be stretchered off the field.

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The 28-year-old said in a post on social media he was retiring from the sport on doctor’s advice.

"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," he wrote in a post on social media. "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.

"I am forever grateful to all my teammates, coaches, trainers, and others who have supported my family and I along the way. 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."

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He thanked his wife for being by his side the entire time as he tried to recover from the neck injury.

"I have attacked everyday of being a professional football player with passion, determination, and discipline," he added. "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!"

Vokolek played college football with Rutgers and Nebraska before deciding to turn pro. He initially joined the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2023 but didn’t see time on the field with the team.

In December 2023, he signed with the Cardinals. He played eight games for the Cardinals but was never truly involved in the offense.