Veteran NFL center Ryan Kelly has retired after 10 seasons in the league.
His retirement was announced by the Minnesota Vikings, a squad he only suited up with for eight games this past season due to a series of concussions.
Kelly joined the Vikings last offseason in free agency after previously playing for the Indianapolis Colts.
The Alabama product was placed in concussion protocol three times last season and had six documented concussions across his NFL career, which likely factored into his decision.
‘What an incredible ride it was. I was blessed to be around some of the greatest people this sport has to offer,’ Kelly posted on social media.
‘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!’
Minnesota Vikings center Ryan Kelly has announced his retirement after 10 years in the NFL
Kelly, who previously played for the Colts, was in concussion protocol three times in 2025
His retirement comes days after Bears center Drew Dalman also retired due to health concerns
Kelly was a first round pick by Indianapolis in the 2016 NFL Draft.
He appeared in 129 career regular season games and was named to four Pro Bowls.
By retiring, the Vikings will clear over $8.3million in cap space.
Kelly is the second center to retire this week over health concerns. Drew Dalman, who played for the division-rival Chicago Bears this season, also called it a career.
Dalman reportedly retired after just five seasons in the league amid fears over the physical damage a long career in the NFL can bring.
The Bears already lined up his replacement – sending a fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots for center Garrett Bradbury.
