Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek is medically retiring from the NFL because of a neck injury sustained in a game last October, he announced on Instagram on Wednesday.
Vokolek, now 28, was injured during a touchback with 11:01 remaining in the first quarter of a 31-27 loss at Indianapolis on Oct. 12. Following a collision with Colts linebacker Segun Olubi, Vokolek fell awkwardly to the turf and remained motionless for some time.
Medical personnel stabilized his head and neck area and placed him on a stretcher before he was transported to an Indianapolis hospital. He was later cleared to fly home with the team. Arizona placed him on injured reserve for the rest of the season.
“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 Instagram. “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.”
Vokolek played 45 snaps on special teams and 32 snaps on offense in five games (one start) last season. He has no catches in eight career games with the Cardinals since making his debut in 2023.
The former college player at Rutgers and Nebraska, Vokolek thanked teammates, coaches, the training staff and others, including his wife, Ann Marie, for her unwavering support.
“I have attacked everyday of being a professional football player with passion, determination, and discipline,” wrote Vokolek, a native of Springfield, Mo. “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!”
