It’s the end of the road for Kyle Rudolph.
The two-time tight end announced Monday he is retiring after 12 seasons in the NFL.
NFL reporter Jordan Schultz broke the news on social media that Rudolph will retire as a member of the Minnesota Vikings, with the team planning a Sept. 24 celebration around its Week 3 game vs. the Los Angeles Chargers.
Rudolph was quick to confirm the information, tweeting: “Can’t wait to come back home!”
The 33-year-old Rudolph entered the NFL in 2011 as a second-round pick of the Vikings.
During his 10 seasons in Minnesota, Rudolph twice earned Pro Bowl honors (2012, 2017).
His best campaign came in 2016 when he set career highs in receptions (83) and yards (840).
Two-time Pro Bowl tight end Kyle Rudolph announced his retirement. AP
Rudolph played in 16 games for New York and had 26 receptions for 257 yards with one touchdown. APMinnesota released Rudolph in March 2021 and he quickly signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Giants that came with some drama over his surgically-repaired foot.
Rudolph played in 16 games for New York, recording a paltry 26 receptions for 257 yards and one touchdown.
When Joe Schoen took over as general manager in January 2022, one of his first moves was cutting Rudolph.
Kyle Rudolph arrives for the NFL Honors award show ahead of Super Bowl LVII. AP
Kyle Rudolph was a Joe Schoen salary cap cut. APThe tight end had one last hurrah in 2022 with the Buccaneers, playing nine games and pulling down three receptions.
So, what’s next for Rudolph?
According to NBC Sports’ Peter King, Rudolph will co-host a show on FOX Sports radio on Sunday nights, beginning with Week 1 of the NFL regular season schedule.
Kyle Rudolph played sparingly last year with the Buccaneers. ASSOCIATED PRESSRudolph also will be a Big Ten analyst for Peacock on Saturdays.
“This off-season is about, ‘Where do I fit in?’ The NBC job doing games on Peacock is cool. And talking about the storylines of the day in the NFL on Sunday nights will be cool, too,” Rudolph said.
