Add center to positions that need to be addressed
Ten-year veteran center Ryan Kelly announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday. The Minnesota Vikings are now looking to fill their center position. Kelly detailed his decision on Instagram.
10 seasons. I gave this game everything I had but it gave me more than I could've ever asked for in return. You cannot replicate an NFL building and the people that make it so special. After a decade of playing this game, I realize that the relationships you make along the way are what you hang your hat on. I've been blessed to be a part of two incredible organizations.
Organizations that want to see you succeed on the field but celebrate the growth of your life off just as much. Indianapolis and Minneapolis will forever hold a special place in our family's hearts, as well as the fans who have supported us through the years. Some of the greatest people we've ever met. I was blessed to be in buildings with some of the finest coaches, trainers, strength staff and support staff this game has to offer, and I'm forever grateful for our time together. The locker room was always my favorite place. Insane hypotheticals, religion, music etc. you name it, and we talked about it. If the world would spend time in one, we'd all be better off for it. What always brought me back year after year were the guys. I've met lifelong friends and took something from everybody along the way. My career wouldn't have been possible without the love and support of my family. My favorite moment of each Sunday was walking off the field, looking up and finding my family in the stands. They're the ones who have celebrated and supported me at the highest and lowest moments. Mom, Dad and Mike, I will eternally be grateful for the endless sacrifice to come support me through the years. I'll forever miss coming to the sideline in warm-ups and hearing 'Dada' as my kids' superhero scoops them up. Lastly, as I look back on my career, the one person who I owe more to than anybody is @byemmakelly. She has been my #1 fan since the day we met and has my back unequivocally. You won't meet a more loyal and loving woman. I love you more than anything in the world. I hope I left this game and the places I've been better than when I found it. I won't miss the show, but I'll sure as hell miss the characters.
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Michael Jurgens filled in for Kelly in 2025 as the veteran played in only eight games while dealing with injuries. The Vikings will surely look to the draft for Kelly's permanent replacement.