Travis Vokolek retires from NFL at 28 due to neck injury
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 23, 2026, 8:05 AM
Last updated Jul 23, 2026
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 28, citing serious neck injury as the reason. Vokolek suffered the injury during a game last season and was taken off the field on a stretcher. Following medical consultations, he decided to retire on doctors' advice. Vokolek expressed gratitude for his time in football, acknowledging the support from teammates, coaches, and his family. He entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie with the Ravens in 2023 before joining the Cardinals later that season.
- •Travis Vokolek retires after doctors advised against continuing play.
- •Sustained a serious neck injury last season while blocking.
- •Joined Cardinals in 2023 after time on Ravens' practice squad.
- •Expressed gratitude towards teammates and coaching staff.
- 6:58 PMYahoo Sports — Ex-Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek medically retires from NFL
- 3:33 PMESPN — TE Vokolek retires due to neck injury from 2025
- 12:15 PMYahoo Sports — Arizona Cardinals tight end retires immediately due to neck injury at 28
- 8:05 AMYahoo Sports — Cardinals' Travis Vokolek retires at age 28 because of neck injury
"During a game last season, Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek was taken off the field on a stretcher after a collision while blocking on a kickoff.
"Former Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek, who injured his neck in October, medically retired from the NFL, he announced on social media.
"Former Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek announced his retirement from the NFL because of a neck injury he suffered in a game last season.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 23, 2026, 6:58 PMEx-Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek medically retires from NFL
Former Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek, who injured his neck in October, medically retired from the NFL, he announced on social media.
- ESPNJul 23, 2026, 3:33 PMTE Vokolek retires due to neck injury from 2025
Former Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek announced his retirement from the NFL because of a neck injury he suffered in a game last season.
- Yahoo SportsJul 23, 2026, 12:15 PMArizona Cardinals tight end retires immediately due to neck injury at 28
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek's final play of his NFL career is something he never would have expected.
- Yahoo SportsJul 23, 2026, 8:05 AMCardinals' Travis Vokolek retires at age 28 because of neck injury
During a game last season, Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek was taken off the field on a stretcher after a collision while blocking on a kickoff.
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