4-Time NFL Pro Bowler Ryan Kelly Retires After 10 Seasons

The center played for the Colts and Vikings, citing a desire to focus on relationships over the game.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Ryan Kelly, a four-time NFL Pro Bowl center who played for the Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings over 10 seasons, has announced his retirement from professional football. In an Instagram post, the 32-year-old Kelly reflected on his career, saying he "gave this game everything I had" and that the relationships he built along the way are what he will cherish most.

Why it matters

Kelly was a highly decorated player, making the Pro Bowl four times and starting 121 games over his decade-long career. His retirement marks the end of an era for two NFL franchises and highlights the physical and mental toll that playing in the league can take on even the most talented athletes.

The details

After being drafted in the first round by the Colts in 2016, Kelly spent his first nine seasons in Indianapolis, earning three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2019-2021 and another in 2023. He then signed a two-year, $18 million contract with the Vikings in 2025, but his lone season in Minnesota was marred by injury as he made only eight starts.

  • Kelly was drafted by the Colts in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
  • He made the Pro Bowl from 2019-2021 and again in 2023 while with the Colts.
  • Kelly signed a two-year, $18 million contract with the Vikings in March 2025.
  • He played only eight games for the Vikings in the 2025 season due to injury.

The players

Ryan Kelly

A four-time NFL Pro Bowl center who played 10 seasons in the league, the first nine with the Indianapolis Colts and the last with the Minnesota Vikings.

Indianapolis Colts

The NFL franchise that drafted Ryan Kelly in the first round in 2016 and for whom he played his first nine professional seasons.

Minnesota Vikings

The NFL team that signed Ryan Kelly to a two-year, $18 million contract in 2025, though he only played one injury-plagued season for them.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Ryan Kelly (Instagram)

“Congratulations on your 10-year career, @ryan_kelly70”

— Minnesota Vikings (X)

“congrats Ryan”

— Indianapolis Colts (X)

The takeaway

Ryan Kelly's retirement after 10 NFL seasons, including four Pro Bowl selections, underscores the physical and mental toll that playing professional football can take, even on the most talented athletes. His decision to focus on the relationships he built over the course of his career rather than the game itself reflects a growing trend among veteran players to prioritize their overall well-being after hanging up their cleats.