EAGAN, Minn. -- Longtime NFL center Ryan Kelly announced his retirement Friday after 10 seasons in the NFL, following an injury-filled season in 2025 with the Minnesota Vikings.
"What an incredible ride it was," Kelly posted on his X account. "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, 32, spent nine seasons with the Indianapolis Colts before signing with the Vikings in 2025. He had six documented concussions in his NFL career, including three last year with the Vikings.
Kelly spent nearly two months on injured reserve after the Vikings diagnosed him with concussions in Weeks 2 and 4. Upon his return in Week 12, he changed helmet models and also began wearing a Guardian Cap during games for the first time. His final concussion occurred in Week 16, ending his season.
The Vikings had hoped Kelly could play multiple seasons for them after they waived former starter Garrett Bradbury. Michael Jurgens, a seventh-round pick in 2024, started three games in Kelly's place last season, and the Vikings also used backup tackle/guard Blake Brandel at the position. Jurgens and Brandel are each candidates for the 2026 job, but the Vikings could also seek additional candidates via free agency or the draft.
Kelly, the No. 18 pick of the 2016 draft, started 129 games over 10 seasons. He was elected to four Pro Bowls and was a second-team All-Pro selection in 2020.
His retirement will open $8.4 million in cap space for the Vikings, who entered the offseason roughly $43 million over the NFL's $301.2 million salary cap for 2026.
