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Minnesota Vikings Center Ryan Kelly Announces Retirement

On March 6, 2026, Vikings center Ryan Kelly announced his retirement on social media after 10 NFL seasons, finishing his final year with the Minnesota Vikings.
Battling head injuries, Kelly had six documented concussions, including three last year in Weeks 2, 4, and 16; he changed helmet models and added a Guardian Cap upon returning.
A first-round pick out of Alabama, Kelly won the Rimington Trophy and was a four-time Pro Bowler, ranked fourth among centers with an 82.2 PFF grade in 2025.
His retirement clears $8.3 million in cap space with a $3.4 million dead-cap charge, bringing the team to nearly $27 million in total cap space.
Both backups Michael Jurgens and Blake Brandel remain under contract but could be candidates or the Vikings may seek center options next week in free agency.

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Minnesota Vikings center Ryan Kelly announces retirement

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Colts great Ryan Kelly retires: 'What an incredible ride it was'

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Ryan Kelly retires after 10 seasons

INDIANAPOLIS – Ten seasons were enough. Ryan Kelly, a 2016 first-round draft pick and anchor of the Indianapolis Colts for nine seasons, announced his retirement on Friday on his social media account. “What an incredible ride it was,’’ he posted on his X account. Kelly finished his career with the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, but [...]

1 day ago·Indianapolis, United States

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