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Kyle Rudolph was one of the great tight ends for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and part of the legacy of “Tight End U.” He was drafted in the 2nd round by the Minnesota Vikings during the 2011 NFL Draft, and played 10 seasons with the Vikings. He has 453 receptions for 4488 yards and 43 touchdowns, and made the Pro Bowl in 2012 and 2017 (although you can make an argument that 2016 was his best year).
On Tuesday, he was released by the Vikings.
Vikings released veteran TE Kyle Rudolph.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 2, 2021
Rudolph penned a heartfelt goodbye to the Minnesota Viking fans and Minneapolis community in The Players Tribune.
Thank you Minnesota!! Although my time as a Viking has come to a close, my time as a MINNESOTAN is just getting started! https://t.co/eb2aP3O4vo
— Kyle Rudolph (@KyleRudolph82) March 2, 2021
In this goodbye letter, Rudolph talks about the disappointment of not being drafted in the 1st round, and his confusion about why the Vikings would take him with the veterans they already had on the team — and then he explains how it all worked out for him and for Minnesota.
There’s no word yet on what Rudolph’s next move might be.