The Minnesota Vikings defensive end made it official on Monday that he will be returning to the team to play for at least one more season.
Many assumed that Brian Robison would be returning to play for the Minnesota Vikings in 2018. But not a ton of people may realize that the veteran defensive end was contemplating retirement for the past few months.
Well, to help clear up any confusion people might have had about the situation, Robison made his return to the Vikings this season official on Monday. With a simple Instagram post, the defensive end announced that he will be returning for his 12th, and likely final, year in Minnesota.
Since he was selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft, Robison has remained in the Twin Cities for his entire career. The veteran pass rusher has racked up a total of 287 tackles, 60 sacks, and 13 forced fumbles in 173 appearances for the Vikings.
Minnesota Vikings
On Tuesday, Robison told KFAN FM 100.3 that he had to restructure his contract and take a pay cut in order to stay in Minnesota for the upcoming season. He also told the radio station that he is, “about 90 percent sure,” 2018 will be his final year as a professional football player.
For the upcoming season, Robison will most likely resume his role from 2017 and continue to be a situational pass rusher for the Vikings. Despite him no longer being a starter, Robison’s experience and ability to play on the inside and the outside of the defensive line allows him to still be a significant contributor for Minnesota’s defense.
His presence in the locker room and on the practice field will also be vital in the progression of some of the Vikings’ younger pass rushers like Danielle Hunter, Tashawn Bower, Stephen Weatherly, Ifeadi Odenigbo, Jalyn Holmes, and Ade Aruna.
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With 2018 likely going to be his final season in Minnesota, Robison is hoping that he will be able to ride off into the sunset on his fishing boat next year as a Super Bowl champion.