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The Arizona Cardinals roster took a big hit on Wednesday.
Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek announced he was retiring from the sport at age 28 after suffering 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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Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek (81) faces off against the Las Vegas Raiders during an NFL preseason game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on August 23, 2025. (IMAGES IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The 28-year-old said in a social media post that he was retiring from the sport on the advice of a doctor.
“After numerous visits with doctors and neurologists over the past few months, I was advised to medically withdraw from the NFL due to a serious neck injury I suffered last season,” he wrote in a social media post. “I am extremely grateful and blessed to have been able to realize 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 will be forever grateful to all 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 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 Oct. 12, 2025. (IMAGES IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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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 faced each day of being a professional footballer with passion, determination and discipline,” he added. “I can say that I really left it all on the field. Thank you for all the love and support. Lastly, 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 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. (IMAGES 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.
