Kyle Rudolph is one of several free agents who has yet to latch onto a roster ahead of training camp, and it appears unlikely he will do so any time soon. The veteran tight end has a new phase of his football career lined up, suggesting he will hang up his cleats.
Rudolph, a Notre Dame alum, recently indicated that he will spend time as a broadcaster with NBC calling Big Ten games on the network. The opportunity to do so, he added, was made possible in very large part by the unique broadcast relationship the Fighting Irish have with NBC. He will look to use it to find success in the booth as opposed to on the field.
“100%. It was without question the reason why,” the 34-year-old said about his choice to attempt a broadcasting gig, via The Athletic’s Pete Sampson (subscription required). “I’m an anomaly, played 12 years in the NFL before starting my next chapter, but Notre Dame was still there opening doors and giving me opportunities.”
Rudolph was drafted by the Vikings in 2011 and he remained there for a decade. By the end of his rookie season, he had established himself as a full-time starter, and he saw snap shares of at least 83% in seven consecutive campaigns. His most productive season came in 2016, when he posted an 83-840-7 statline. Rudolph then earned his second and final Pro Bowl nod the following year.
The former second-rounder was released in 2021 with the Vikings moving on from their then-longest tenured player. Rudolph drew interest from a number of suitors during his first free agent period, and he ultimately landed a two-year pact with the Giants. That contract was terminated after only one campaign in the Big Apple, however, one in which he played a reduced role compared to many of his Vikings campaigns.
The Buccaneers added Rudolph last offseason, with Tom Brady playing a central role in recruiting him to Tampa Bay. A lackluster season followed that decision, though, and the former was limited to nine games played and only three receptions. With his playing future very much in doubt, he will now turn his attention to a new football-related challenge this fall.
Rudolph ranks 11th in Vikings history in terms of career receiving yards, and he sits second in that regard amongst tight ends (behind only Steve Jordan). His Giants and Bucs contracts helped bring his career earnings to just under $60M. Rather than attempting to extend his NFL tenure to 13 years, he appears set to close the book on his playing days.
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