Vikings RT Phil Loadholt Retires From NFL, Place On Reserve/Retired List

Update:

The Minnesota Vikings have officially placed veteran OT Phil Loadholt on the reserve/retired list Monday after he informed the team of his decision to walk away.

Here’s a statement from Loadholt regarding the move:

“I first want to thank the Wilf Family for the wonderful opportunity they gave me seven years ago. There’s a lot of people to thank – Rick Spielman, Rob Brzezinski, George Paton, Scott Studwell and all the personnel people. My head coaches – Brad Childress, Leslie Frazier and Mike Zimmer. My position coaches – Pat Morris, Jim Hueber, Jeff Davidson and Tony Sparano. The entire Vikings support staff and most important – the Vikings fans and my teammates. This chapter in my life is closing and I look forward to seeing what the next one brings. I’ll always love this game and the opportunity to do something I dreamed about since I was seven years old. But, my body is telling me it’s time to hang up my cleats.”

Vikings GM Rick Spielman also released a statement:

“Phil means a lot to this team and the community. He was a big part of the success we had on the field in his time here and we always knew he came prepared and played hard every week. Phil was one of our core guys, a cornerstone for this team, and embodied the principles that we have been building here. He did things the right way, spent his whole career with us and proudly represented the Vikings. We thank Phil for what he’s done for the franchise and wish him the best in the future.”

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Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that veteran OT Phil Loadholt has informed the Vikings that he’s officially retiring from the NFL.

• Loadholt met with Vikings GM Rick Spielman to inform him of his decision to walk away.

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Adam Schefter and Adam Caplan of ESPN are reporting that Vikings veteran RT Phil Loadholt is expected to retire from the NFL on Monday, pending meeting with team officials.

There had been some question as to whether Loadholt would be able to make the 53-man roster this summer. However, it appears as though Loadholt would prefer to not fight through training camp.

Loadholt, 30, is a former first-round pick of the Vikings back in 2009. During the offseason, Loadholt agreed to a restructured contract to stay with the team. He was set to make $2.25 million for the 2016 season.

Unfortunately, Loadholt missed all of the 2015 season with a torn Achilles that he suffered in training camp. His 2014 season was also limited due to injury, so this will be a concern for him moving forward.