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The Arizona Cardinals roster took a huge hit on Wednesday.
Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek announced his retirement from the sport at age 28 after injuring his neck in a game against the Indianapolis Colts. Vokolek blocked a kickoff and landed awkwardly after hitting a Colts player. He had to be taken off the field on a stretcher.
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Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek (81) faces the Las Vegas Raiders in an NFL preseason game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on August 23, 2025. (IMAGINE IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The 28-year-old said in a social media post that he was retiring from the sport on medical advice.
“After numerous visits to doctors and neurologists over the past few months, I have been advised to retire from the NFL for medical reasons due to a serious neck injury I suffered last season,” he wrote in a social media post. “I am extremely grateful and fortunate to have been able to fulfill my childhood dream of playing football at the highest level over the past three years. Football has taught me many life lessons and given me unforgettable memories.
“I am forever grateful to all of my teammates, coaches, trainers and others who have supported my family and me along the way. A sincere thank you to the Arizona Cardinals training staff for being first class with the care and support they have provided my family and me during this difficult time.”
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek leaves the field after an injury during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 12, 2025. (IMAGINE IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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He thanked his wife for being by his side throughout as he tried to recover from his neck injury.
“I attacked my status as a professional footballer every day with passion, determination and discipline,” he added. “I can say that I really left everything behind on the pitch. Thank you for all your love and support. Finally, thank you football!”
Vokolek played college football with Rutgers and Nebraska before deciding to turn professional. He initially joined the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2023, but did not spend any time on the field with the team.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on September 21, 2025. (IMAGINE IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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In December 2023, he signed with the Cardinals. He played eight games for the Cardinals but was never really involved in the offense.
