Minnesota Vikings center Ryan Kelly may have played his final game in the NFL after suffering a third concussion in three months.
Kelly has been placed on injured reserve after colliding with Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke during Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium.
ESPN characterized his move to the IR as not just an end to his season, but ‘possibly his career’ too.
This marks the sixth documented concussion for Kelly in his ten-year professional career.
Earlier this season, Kelly suffered concussions in Week 2 and Week 4 – landing him on the IR for nearly two months.
He made his return in Week 12, wearing the ‘Guardian Cap’ padding over his helmet. But it ultimately wasn’t able to prevent the concussion he suffered in Week 16 against New York.
Vikings center Ryan Kelly suffered his third concussion this season, possibly ending his career
The most recent concussion is the sixth documented time he’s suffered that injury in his career
Kelly was a four-time Pro Bowler and a second-team All-Pro with the Indianapolis Colts
‘So much respect for Ryan as a player,’ Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters, ‘and the way he took the amount of time he did and was fighting to get back on the field and felt ready to go.
‘We were holding back a little bit beyond that. And then, when he returned to the field, the impact he’s had on our offense over these last few games have been massive.’
Kelly was the 18th overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama, being picked by the Indianapolis Colts.
He spent a majority of his career with Indianapolis, only moving to the Vikings this offseason.
Kelly earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2020 and was named a four-time Pro Bowler from 2019-2021 and again in 2023.
Per Spotrac, Kelly has earned over $77million throughout his career. He’s currently on a two-year, $18million deal with the Vikings.
