US EditionMinnesota Vikings Center Ryan Kelly Announces Retirement
Ryan Kelly retires after 10 NFL seasons due to six concussions, including three last year, opening $8.4 million in cap space for the Vikings, who face offensive line changes.
- 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.
32 Articles
32 Articles
Rutland Herald
Vikings center Ryan Kelly announces his retirement after his concussion-shortened 10th NFL season
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings center Ryan Kelly has retired after a concussion-marred final season in his 10-year NFL career, the team announced on Friday.
Colts great Ryan Kelly retires: 'What an incredible ride it was'
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 [...]
Vikings C Ryan Kelly retiring
On Friday, March 6, Minnesota Vikings center, Ryan Kelly, announced his retirement from the NFL on social media. In a post on X he said, “10 seasons. What an incredible ride it was. 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 spent 10 seasons in the NFL, ni…
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