Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 28 after suffering a career-ending neck injury.
“After numerous visits with doctors and neurologists over the past couple of months, I have been advised to medically retire from the NFL due to a serious neck injury that I suffered this past season,” Vokolek shared via Instagram on Wednesday, July 22. “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. Football has taught me many life lessons and given me unforgettable memories.”
He continued, “I am forever grateful to all my teammates, coaches, trainers, and others who have supported my family and I 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 I during this hard time.”
Following a collegiate career at Rutgers and Nebraska, Vokolek played in five games for the Cardinals during the 2025 season before suffering the neck injury after colliding with Indianapolis Colts linebacker Segun Olubi on October 12.
Vokolek was immobilized on a stretcher and carted off the field after the incident. He was taken to a hospital in Indianapolis for observation before being cleared to travel home with the team.
“I am especially grateful for my wife who has been there the whole time through the many ups and downs of the NFL,” Vokolek added. “She has never wavered and has been extremely supportive through it all.”
He concluded, “I have attacked everyday of being a professional football player with passion, determination, and discipline. I can say that I truly left everything out on the field. Thank you for all of the love and support. Lastly, thank you football!”
Travis and his wife, Ann-Marie James Vokolek, got married in July 2024.
The football community offered their words of support for Travis in the comments section of his post.
“Congrats bro,” Cleveland Browns defensive end Julian Okwara wrote. “Praying for you and your family. Bigger things ahead 🙏🏾.”
Cardinals placekicker Chad Ryland said, “All love brother!!! You’re the man!”
“All love brother!!! You’re the man!,” wrote Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith.
After going undrafted, Travis signed as a free agent with the Ravens in 2023, before joining the Cardinals in December of that year.
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