League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Injuries

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

Travis Vokolek retires from NFL at 28 due to neck injury

Summary

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.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports ESPN

Status Watch

•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.

Latest Updates

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

What they're saying

"
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.
— Yahoo Sports

"
Former Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek, who injured his neck in October, medically retired from the NFL, he announced on social media.
— Yahoo Sports