The Vikings needed to find a way to create some cap space ahead of free agency in 2021 and the first move has now been made. The team announced on Tuesday evening that they have released ten-year veteran Tight End Kyle Rudolph.
In his ten years in Minnesota Rudolph played in 140 games totaling 453 catches, 4,448 yards and 48 touchdowns.
Despite being a great leader for the Vikings, Rudolph’s time outside of football made him a special presence in the Minnesota community. Not only did he leave his mark on the football team in the state, but he touched hundreds of lives and always seemed to make an impact in the community as well.
Here are the statements from Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer.
Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman has issued the following statement regarding Kyle Rudolph:
“From the moment we drafted Kyle as a young man out of Notre Dame in 2011, through his 10th season with the Vikings in 2020, he has been one of the premier tight ends in the NFL and most influential and positive leaders I’ve ever been around. Kyle and Jordan have made such an immeasurable impact on our team and community that may never be matched. The energy they have invested in the community, most notably through the End Zone at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, is truly remarkable. I admire Kyle and we will miss him and his family. We sincerely wish them the best.”
Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer has issued the following statement regarding Kyle Rudolph:
“Kyle has been a leader and mentor for us on and off the field from the first day I arrived in Minnesota. He has been such an important part of this team and community throughout his career and it has been an honor to coach him the last seven seasons. He will be missed, and we wish him and his family nothing but the best.”
The move was widely speculated and doesn’t come as a surprise, but the state of Minnesota is losing a great one with the departure of Rudolph.
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