Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Ryan Kelly snaps to quarterback JJ McCarthy
Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Former Alabama offensive lineman Ryan Kelly has called it a career in the NFL. Kelly announced his retirement from football on Friday with a post on social media following 10 seasons in the league.
“What an incredible ride it was,” Kelly said. “I was blessed to be around some of the greatest people this sport has to offer. I always wanted to leave each place better than how I found it and with that I can hang my hat. Forever grateful for my family and brothers! Cheers.”
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Kelly began his career with the Indianapolis Colts where he was drafted with the No. 18 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Kelly would play his first nine seasons with Indianapolis where he would be named to the Pro Bowl three times with a second team All-Pro finish in 2020.
In 2025, Kelly would sign a two-year deal to join the Minnesota Vikings to upgrade at center. But Kelly would appear in just eight games for he suffered three concussions during his only season in Minnesota before announcing his retirement.
Prior to his professional days, Kelly started 36 games for Alabama from 2011-15 and winning the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center during his final season. Kelly was also a consensus All-American, first team All-SEC and Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner. He also anchored the offensive line for the 2015 national championship season.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, viaPat_Dowd77