Antonio Richardson inspired comparisons to Erik Williams, so impressive was his athletic talent at the tackle position while a member of the Tennessee Vols football team.
More from Minnesota Vikings News
- Former Vikings first-round pick could reportedly return to NFC North
- Bears analyst has extremely embarrassing Kirk Cousins take
- 6 Vikings who (maybe) won’t make the 53-man roster in 2023
- Predicting what the Vikings will do in the 2023 NFL Draft based on 2022
- Vikings have reportedly begun extension talks with T.J. Hockenson
The talented Richardson might have gone as high as the second round in the 2014 draft had it not been for concerns about the condition of his knees.
Teams shied away from using a draft pick on Richardson, causing him to fall all the way out of the draft. After the seventh round, the Vikings took a chance on Richardson and his dodgy knees by signing him as an undrafted free agent.
After making it all the way to the preseason, Richardson’s knee problems flared up again and he was ultimately placed on injured reserve, ending his season.
Two days ago the Vikings decided to end their relationship with Richardson, cutting the offensive tackle along with four others to make way for a new crop of UDFAs.
Today Tiny Richardson bowed to the inevitable and announced his retirement from football. Richardson tweeted a statement to the Vikings and everyone else who supported him along the way:
Wanted to take this time to send a letter and thank everyone for the love over the years! It's been a great ride! pic.twitter.com/HsNTfUcnhd
— Antonio Richardson (@tinyrichardson) May 9, 2015
It’s a shame Richardson couldn’t overcome his knee problems, because he really was a talented guy who might have been a steal for the Vikings as a UDFA. But it’s really not a surprise that things turned out the way they turned out.
Good luck to Mr. Richardson in whatever endeavors he sets his mind to after this. Sorry it didn’t work out in Minnesota.
Next: Is Trae Waynes Overrated Garbage?
More from The Viking Age
- 6 biggest draft steals in Minnesota Vikings history
- Former Vikings first-round pick could reportedly return to NFC North
- Bears analyst has extremely embarrassing Kirk Cousins take
- 6 Vikings who (maybe) won’t make the 53-man roster in 2023
- Predicting what the Vikings will do in the 2023 NFL Draft based on 2022