Cardinals TE Travis Vokolek retires after neck injury

Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek announced his medical retirement from the NFL on Thursday, July 23, 2026, following a serious neck injury sustained during the 2025 season. The 28-year-old revealed his decision in a lengthy Instagram post, stating that after months of consultations with doctors and neurologists, he had been advised to end his playing career.

The career-ending injury occurred on October 12, 2025, during a Week 6 game against the Indianapolis Colts. While blocking on a kickoff return in the first quarter, Vokolek collided with Colts linebacker Segun Olubi and fell awkwardly to the turf. He remained motionless and was stabilized by medical personnel before being stretchered off the field and transported to a local hospital. He was later cleared to fly home with the team but was placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.

In his statement, Vokolek expressed gratitude for his three-year career. "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," he wrote. He thanked his teammates, coaches, and trainers, with a specific acknowledgment of the...