Brian Robison expected to retire after the 2018 season

The veteran Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman recently talked about how the 2018 NFL season will likely be his last in a purple and gold uniform.

In today’s NFL, it is pretty rare for a player to spend his entire career with just one team. At the same time, since Rick Spielman was promoted to be the general manager of the Minnesota Vikings in 2012, there has seemed to be an increased emphasis on continuity with the team.

The Vikings have made sure to re-sign a number of their key players over the past few years and the majority of these guys have only ever worn a Minnesota uniform during their pro football careers. The success of the Vikings has definitely seen an increase since Spielman became the team’s general manager, so obviously he is doing something right.

One player who has spent his entire NFL career in Minnesota is defensive lineman Brian Robison. The Vikings selected Robison in the fourth round of the 2007 Draft and he has been with the team ever since.

Minnesota Vikings

During his time in Minnesota, the veteran defensive lineman has seen a lot go down.

With the Vikings, Robison has had three head coaches, been teammates with a number of very talented players (Adrian Peterson, Brett Favre, Randy Moss, Steve Hutchinson, Jared Allen, Kevin Williams), and helped the team make it to two NFC Championships.

It looks like the end of the road for the defensive lineman is getting closer though. Robison said last year that the 2018 season would, “more than likely,” be his last with the Vikings and recently he made some very similar comments when speaking with the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson.

"“I would say more than likely it probably will be (my final season). If you ask me that in August, I’ll have a definite answer.”"

This should not be very surprising to many. Robison is now 35-years-old and his role on Minnesota’s defense has been growing smaller over the past few seasons.

Next: Who will be the Vikings' best defensive player in 2018?

He also took a significant pay cut to remain with the Vikings in 2018. But Robison clearly knows how talented this current Minnesota team is and getting paid a little less is worth it for him to get one last opportunity at winning a Super Bowl.