A Minnesota Vikings tight end is calling it quits after three seasons in the NFL. In a statement Thursday, the Vikings relayed the message Ben Ellefson wrote on his Instagram account.
TE Ben Ellefson has announced his retirement.
📷: Ben Ellefson/IG pic.twitter.com/L2HBhZPkkZ
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) June 1, 2023
The message, which was written in all capital letters, reads:
“THANK YOU FOOTBALL, FOR THE PEOPLE YOU’VE BROUGHT INTO MY LIFE AND THE OPPORTUNITIES YOU’VE GIVEN ME TO PURSUE MY DREAMS TO THE FULLEST. I’VE BEEN BLESSED ON MY PATH TO HAVE PEOPLE WHO BELIEVED IN ME, WHICH HAS DROWNED OUT THOSE WHO DOUBTED. SO, THANK YOU BELIEVERS, FOR THE CHANCES YOU’VE TAKEN ON ME, HELPING AND SUPPORTING ME IN MY DRIVE TO GIVE THIS GAME ALL I COULD AND TO REACH MY FULLEST POTENTIAL. THE LIST IS LONG AND I AM
FORTUNATE.EVERYBODY’S STORY IS DIFFERENT, AND I’M PROUD TO SAY I’VE GIVEN THE GAME OF
FOOTBALL EVERYTHING I HAVE. INJURIES ARE A PART OF THE GAME AND ALTHOUGH THEY ARE A BIG REASON FOR ME MOVING ON, I AM FORTUNATE TO BE IN A SPOT WHERE I CAN STILL WALK AWAY FROM THE GAME AS A PLAYER, READY TO TACKLE
WHATEVER IS NEXT IN MY LIFE.
COLOSSIANS 3:23-24”
Ben Ellefson was working his way up with the Vikings before his injury
Ellefson was an undrafted free agent who spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020 before signing with the Vikings in 2021. Ellefson struggled with injuries during his time with the Vikings. He spent time on injured reserve during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Those injuries appear to have helped lead to the 26-year-old tight end’s retirement.
Ellefson finished his NFL career with four catches for 36 yards. He had his most productive season in 2022 when he started a game for the Vikings, and recorded three catches. A soft tissue injury caused Ellefson to go on injured reserve last season.
Fans react to the Minnesota Vikings’ surprising news
Fans wished Ellefson the best after he announced his retirement. Here are the best takes on his retirement announcement.
I hope he knows that he was good at his job. As the 3rd TE with the Vikings. Sucks that he has to retire. Glad ge was in purple. 💜😎 https://t.co/6CJDGDho9j
— Joe wiedmeier (@WiedmeierJoe) June 1, 2023
Damn. Loved Ben, his story and his grit. But there’s much more life beyond football. #skol #OnceABisonAlwaysABison #hornsup 🤘🏼 https://t.co/fgz2xDYMWa
— Alli Elise (@alli_elise25) June 1, 2023
This sucks but best of luck for Ben! https://t.co/APbJhbAx35
— Vikings_Fan18 (Kirk for MVP) (@atlas06060996) June 1, 2023
https://t.co/S3uq8GnDoX pic.twitter.com/A2E1Sfwjbp
— Mike Castellino (@MikeCastellino) June 1, 2023
I can’t have anything nice.
You’ll likely never see this Ben, but I’ve followed your entire career. We finally had a Bison sporting purple. I wish you nothing but the best. #HornsUp https://t.co/v5LfEkHKck
— Faithful to the Trey (@FaithfulTrey) June 1, 2023
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Frequently Asked Question’s
Where is Ben Ellefson from?
Ben Ellefson is from Hawley, a small town nestled in the state of Minnesota, United States. Born and raised in this tight-knit community, Ellefson developed his passion for football and honed his skills at the right time.
Have the Vikings been to a Super Bowl?
Yes, the Vikings have been to the Super Bowl. They have made it to the Super Bowl four times to this date but they have not won a Super Bowl championship yet. The Minnesota Vikings reached the Super Bowl in the following seasons: Super Bowl IV (1969), Super Bowl VIII (1973), Super Bowl IX (1974), and Super Bowl XI (1976).
