Kyle Rudolph, a professional football player known for his role as a tight end, began his NFL career when he was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Rudolph, who played college football at Notre Dame, quickly established himself as a reliable target for the Vikings' quarterbacks with his impressive catching ability and size.
During his rookie season, Rudolph played in 15 games and started in eight of them. He recorded 26 receptions for 249 yards and three touchdowns. His performance showed promise, and he continued to develop his skills in the following seasons. By 2012, Rudolph had become a more integral part of the Vikings' offense. He played in all 16 games, starting in nine, and finished the season with 53 receptions for 493 yards and nine touchdowns. His efforts earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl, where he was named the game's MVP.
Rudolph's role in the Vikings' offense continued to grow over the years. In 2013, he played in eight games before a foot injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Despite the setback, he managed to record 30 receptions for 313 yards and three touchdowns. The following year, he returned to the field and played in nine games, contributing 24 receptions for 231 yards and two touchdowns.
The 2015 season marked a return to form for Rudolph, as he played in all 16 games and recorded 49 receptions for 495 yards and five touchdowns. His performance helped the Vikings secure a playoff berth, although they were eliminated in the Wild Card round. In 2016, Rudolph had one of his best seasons, setting career highs with 83 receptions and 840 receiving yards, along with seven touchdowns. His efforts earned him another Pro Bowl selection.
Rudolph continued to be a reliable presence for the Vikings over the next few seasons. In 2017, he played in all 16 games, recording 57 receptions for 532 yards and eight touchdowns. The Vikings reached the NFC Championship Game that year, but fell short of a Super Bowl appearance. In 2018, Rudolph's production dipped slightly, with 64 receptions for 634 yards and four touchdowns, but he remained an important part of the team's offensive strategy.
In 2019, Rudolph played in all 16 games and recorded 39 receptions for 367 yards and six touchdowns. He was instrumental in the Vikings' playoff victory over the New Orleans Saints, catching the game-winning touchdown pass in overtime. The following year, Rudolph's role in the offense diminished, as he recorded 28 receptions for 334 yards and one touchdown in 12 games.
After a decade with the Vikings, Rudolph was released by the team in March 2021. He soon signed with the New York Giants, where he played in 16 games during the 2021 season. Rudolph recorded 26 receptions for 257 yards and one touchdown with the Giants. Following the season, he was released by the team in March 2022.
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