Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday, citing a serious neck injury. He is 28 years old.
In an Instagram post, Vokolek stated that he was advised to medically retire after multiple consultations with doctors and neurologists regarding the injury he sustained during a game against the Indianapolis Colts last season.
"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," Vokolek wrote. "Football has taught me many life lessons and given me unforgettable memories."
The injury occurred on Oct. 10 of last season while Vokolek was blocking during a kickoff. He landed awkwardly after colliding with a Colts player and was taken off the field on a stretcher, not returning to the game.
Vokolek entered the league as an undrafted free agent from Nebraska. He was initially signed by the Baltimore Ravens before being released and joining the Cardinals for his rookie year in 2023. He played in eight career games, starting one of the five games he appeared in during the 2025 season, recording two combined and two solo tackles.