Former Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph is furthering his broadcast career and continuing to take "steps toward a life after playing football."
When they selected him in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings were hoping that Kyle Rudolph could develop into a solid tight end for them, at the very least.
Well, Rudolph was certainly solid during his tenure with the Vikings, starting in 132 games and setting the franchise record for career touchdown receptions by a tight end.
Rudolph's last two NFL seasons were spent outside of Minnesota, and they didn't go well at all, as he hauled in a total of just 29 catches in stints with the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After those two disappointing years, it now seems like the former Vikings tight end has quietly closed the door on his career in the league.
Former Minnesota Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph focused on the "next chapter" of his life
Earlier this year, Rudolph had the opportunity to work in the NBC Sports broadcast booth and provide color commentary for USFL games.
Apparently, he did well enough during those broadcasts to earn a promotion from NBC Sports as the former Minnesota tight end recently revealed to The Athletic's Pete Sampson that he will be calling select Big Ten college football games during the upcoming season.
Rudolph shared with Sampson that this new role is part of him "starting next chapter" after playing in the NFL for 12 years.
Based on these comments from Rudolph, his lack of production during his last two seasons, and his current age (33), it certainly seems that the veteran tight end has moved on from his playing career in the NFL.
Perhaps Rudolph will sign a one-day contract with the Vikings and retire in purple at some point in the near future. But a quiet exit without any sort of announcement might actually just be how he wants his time in the NFL to end.