Center Ryan Kelly, 32, announces retirement from NFL

EAGAN, Minn. — Longtime NFL heart Ryan Kelly introduced his retirement Friday after 10 seasons within the NFL, following an injury-filled season in 2025 with the Minnesota Vikings.

“What an incredible ride it was,” Kelly posted on his X account. “I was blessed to be around some of the greatest people this sport has to offer. I always wanted to leave each place better than how I found it and with that I can hang my hat. Forever grateful for my family and brothers! Cheers.”

Kelly, 32, spent 9 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts earlier than signing with the Vikings in 2025. He had six documented concussions in his NFL profession, together with three final yr with the Vikings.

Kelly spent practically two months on injured reserve after the Vikings identified him with concussions in Weeks 2 and 4. Upon his return in Week 12, he modified helmet fashions and in addition started sporting a Guardian Cap throughout video games for the primary time. His remaining concussion occurred in Week 16, ending his season.

The Vikings had hoped Kelly may play a number of seasons for them after they waived former starter Garrett Bradbury. Michael Jurgensa seventh-round decide in 2024, began three video games in Kelly’s place final season and the Vikings additionally used backup sort out/guard Blake Brandel on the place. Jurgens and Brandel are every candidates for the 2026 job, however the Vikings may additionally search extra candidates by way of free company or the draft.

Kelly, the No. 18 decide of the 2016 draft, began 129 video games over 10 seasons. He was elected to 4 Pro Bowls and was a second-team All-Pro choice in 2020.

His retirement will open $8.4 million in cap area for the Vikings, who entered the offseason roughly $43 million over the NFL’s $301.2 million wage cap for 2026.