Travis Vokolek had his hands tied and called it quits Wednesday.
The Cardinals’ tight end announced via Instagram he is retiring from the NFL at just 28 years old after suffering a scary neck injury during a game against the Colts last season.
“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 wrote in the post. “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.
“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.”
The injury occurred as Vokolek was blocking during a kickoff and he landed on the ground awkwardly after hitting a Colts player last Oct. 10.
He left the field on a stretch and didn’t return.
In his retirement post, Vokolek thanked this wife, Ann-Marie James Vokolek, whom he married in July 2024.
“I am especially grateful for my wife who has been there the whole time through the many ups and downs of the NFL,” he wrote. “She has never wavered and has been extremely supportive through it all.
“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!”
The Missouri native entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Nebraska.
He was signed by the Ravens before being released and eventually beginning his rookie year in 2023 with the Cardinals.
In 2025, Vokolek started one out of his five games, and recorded two combined and two solo tackles.
He ended his brief NFL career with eight games under his belt.
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