ARI Travis Vokolek
NFL tight end. Position: TE. Team: Arizona Cardinals (retired).
Quick Facts
- Position: Tight End
- Team: ARI (Arizona Cardinals; retired 2026)
- Contract: Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA)
- Drafted: 2023 season, signed by Baltimore Ravens
- Age: 28
2026 Outlook
Travis Vokolek has announced his retirement from the NFL on July 23, 2026, due to a serious neck injury suffered during a 2025 season game. The 28-year-old UDFA tight end played three seasons in the NFL after going undrafted out of college.
Vokolek suffered a neck injury during a kickoff return in a game against the Indianapolis Colts on October 16, 2025. According to reporting, he went down awkwardly after being pushed by Colts linebacker Segun Olubi and was immediately immobilized on a stretcher with both arms strapped down before being carted off the field.
Following extensive medical consultation with doctors and neurologists over several months, Vokolek was medically advised to retire from professional football due to the severity of the neck injury and medical risks of continued play. In his retirement announcement posted to Instagram, Vokolek wrote: "After numerous visits with doctors and neurologists over the past couple of months, I have been advised to medically retire from the NFL due to a serious neck injury that I suffered this past season. I am extremely grateful and blessed to have been able to live out my childhood dream of playing football at the highest level for the past three years. Football has taught me many life lessons and given me unforgettable memories." (per TE Travis Vokolek retires due to neck injury suffered last season - ESPN)
Role / Depth Chart
Retired. Vokolek was a third-string tight end for the Arizona Cardinals in 2025, primarily used on special teams, before his injury.
Injury Status
Serious neck injury suffered in October 2025 against Indianapolis Colts. Determined to be medically career-ending after consultation with medical professionals.
Recent News
- 2026-07-23 — TE Travis Vokolek retires due to neck injury suffered last season (TE Travis Vokolek retires due to neck injury suffered last season)
- 2026-07-23 — TE Travis Vokolek retires due to neck injury suffered last season (TE Travis Vokolek retires due to neck injury suffered last season - ESPN)