TE Travis Vokolek Retires

A neck injury suffered in Week 6 of the 2025 season resulted in tight end Travis Vokolek missing the remainder of the campaign. It will prevent him from returning to the NFL.

“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,” Vokolek wrote on Instagram. “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. I am forever grateful to all my teammates, coaches, trainers, and others who have supported my family and I along the way… I can say that I truly left everything out on the field. Thank you for all of the love and support. Lastly, thank you football!”

Vokolek entered the league in 2023 as an undrafted free agent. The Nebraska product signed with the Ravens, and after being among the team’s roster cuts in August he immediately signed to the practice squad. Vokolek remained with Baltimore through much of his rookie season before joining the Cardinals. His Arizona tenure continued through 2025.

In all, Vokolek made eight regular-season appearances. He chipped in on special teams during that time while handling a depth role on offense. The 28-year-old collected $2.27MM in career earnings, with nearly half of that figure coming on his one-year Cardinals contract in 2025. Vokolek was in position to continue his career this season, but that will no longer be possible.