Kyle Rudolph

Rudolph attended Elder High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he played high school football for the Panthers.{{Cite web |last=Skinner |first=Richard |date=August 12, 2016 |title=Elder grad Rudolph looking forward to first game in PBS since 2005 after missing 2013 game |url=http://local12.com/sports/bengals/elder-grad-rudolph-looking-forward-to-first-game-in-pbs-since-2005-after-missing-2013-game |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=WKRC}} As a junior, he caught 30 passes for 400 yards and seven touchdowns en route to earning first-team All-city and All-conference honors. As a senior in 2008, he was named first-team All-American by USA Today after totaling 37 receptions for 673 yards (18.2 yards per catch) and 11 touchdowns.{{Cite web |last=Cole |first=Andrew |date=December 4, 2013 |title=Rudolph returns to roots |url=https://elderhsquill.org/2344/features/rudolph-returns-to-the-promised-land/ |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=The Purple Quill}}{{Cite web |title=2007 All-USA high school football team |url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/graphics/2007_allusa_team/flash.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=USA Today |archive-date=May 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506085313/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/graphics/2007_allusa_team/flash.htm }} He was placed on the Scout.com All-America first-team and was the lone tight end among the 11 finalists for the high school Maxwell Award. He received first-team All-Southwest Ohio as a senior after being named second-team as a junior, and was named second-team All-state by the Associated Press. After his senior season, Rudolph was invited to play in the 2008 U.S. Army All-American Bowl held in San Antonio, Texas.{{Cite web |title=US Army All American Bowl – Players/Alumni |url=http://usarmyallamericanbowl.com/playersalumni.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216010904/http://usarmyallamericanbowl.com/playersalumni.php |archive-date=December 16, 2010 |website=US Army All American Bowl}}

An accomplished basketball player as well, Rudolph played center for his high school team and was the conference player of the year three times and All-Southwest Ohio in 2007. He is currently the second-leading scorer in school history and became just the second Panther to surpass 1,000 career points. He set the school record for most career rebounds when he corralled his 568th rebound on January 11, 2008. Against Moeller (#1 in Ohio, #9 in the nation) on January 25, 2008, he scored 25 of Elder's 52 points as the Panthers almost upset the top-ranked team in Ohio, 58–52.

Rudolph was rated as the best tight end and 20th best overall recruit in the class of 2008 according to Rivals.com.{{Cite web |title=2008 Rivals100 Prospect Ranking |url=https://n.rivals.com/prospect_rankings/rivals100/2008 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=Rivals.com}} He was named the second-best player and the top tight end in the Detroit Free Press' Best of the Midwest Top 20 list. He was considered the No. 1 tight end in the recruiting class and the 20th-best prospect in the nation by Tom Lemming. He was ranked 21st in the country and No. 2 in the state of Ohio by Scout.com. He was also considered the 23rd-best player by Sports Illustrated. He accepted a scholarship offer from Notre Dame over Michigan, Tennessee, and Ohio State.{{Cite web |title=Kyle Rudolph, Elder , Tight End |url=https://247sports.com/Player/Kyle-Rudolph-7958/high-school-3478/ |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=247Sports |language=en-US}}

{{see also|2008 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team}}

As a freshman in 2008, Rudolph became the first tight end in Notre Dame history to start all 13 games as a freshman and the first freshman to ever start a season opener at tight end for Notre Dame.{{Cite web |last=Wyatt |first=David |date=August 3, 2009 |title=Notre Dame's Kyle Rudolph Named To John Mackey Award Watch List |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/229738-kyle-rudolph-named-to-john-mackey-award-watch-list |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} He made his career debut in the season opener against San Diego State and brought in his first career reception for five yards during the victory.{{Cite web |title=San Diego State at Notre Dame Box Score, September 6, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-09-06-notre-dame.html |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In week 3, he posted his first multi-reception game (two catches for 29 yards) of his career against Michigan State, with both catches traveling for 10-plus yards and resulting in first downs against the Spartans.{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame at Michigan State Box Score, September 20, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-09-20-michigan-state.html |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} The following week, he hauled in three passes for 32 yards, with a long of 19, while also recording the first touchdown catch of his career in the Irish' 38–21 win over Purdue.{{Cite web |title=Purdue at Notre Dame Box Score, September 27, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-09-27-notre-dame.html |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In week 5, he registered season-highs in receptions (5) and receiving yards (70) and added his second and final touchdown of the season versus Stanford.{{Cite web |title=Stanford at Notre Dame Box Score, October 4, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-10-04-notre-dame.html |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He hauled in two catches for 26 yards against Pittsburgh, setting a new school record for receptions by a freshman tight end in a single season during the game.{{Cite web |title=Pitt at Notre Dame Box Score, November 1, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-11-01-notre-dame.html |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In week 11, he established a school record for single-season receiving yards by a freshman tight end during the game against Syracuse.{{Cite web |title=Syracuse at Notre Dame Box Score, November 22, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-11-22-notre-dame.html |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In the 2008 Hawaii Bowl game, he caught four passes for a season-high 78 yards.{{Cite web |title=Hawaii Bowl – Notre Dame at Hawaii Box Score, December 24, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-12-24-hawaii.html |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} His 29-yard reception against the Warriors also set a season-best long reception. Rudolph finished his first year with the Irish with 29 receptions for 340 yards (11.7 avg.) and two touchdowns.

{{see also|2009 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team}}

As a sophomore in 2009, Rudolph participated in only ten games with nine starts, missing three due to a shoulder injury and totaling 275:59 of playing time while making 57 special-teams appearances.{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Brian |date=November 10, 2009 |title=ND's Rudolph likely sidelined until bowl game |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=4641658 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} He was named semi-finalist for the John Mackey Award (presented annually to college football's most outstanding tight end) and was the only sophomore to be named semi-finalist. He hauled in four catches for 29 yards and a touchdown in the opener against Nevada.{{Cite web |title=Nevada at Notre Dame Box Score, September 5, 2009 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2009-09-05-notre-dame.html |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In week 3, he set a then career-high with 95 receiving yards against Michigan State including a season-long 52-yard reception.{{Cite web |title=Michigan State at Notre Dame Box Score, September 19, 2009 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2009-09-19-notre-dame.html |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} His performance against the Spartans earned him John Mackey Tight End of the Week honors.{{Cite web |title=Kyle Rudolph Named John Mackey Tight End Of The Week |url=http://und.com/news/2009/9/23/Kyle_Rudolph_Named_John_Mackey_Tight_End_Of_The_Week.aspx?path=football |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=UND Athletics |date = September 23, 2009|language=en}} He nabbed touchdown catches in back-to-back weeks against Purdue and Washington, with the first coming against the Boilermakers when there were only 24 seconds remaining in the game on a fourth-and-goal situation that sealed Notre Dame's win; the second touchdown reception against Washington came with less than two minutes remaining in regulation and gave the Irish the lead.{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame at Purdue Box Score, September 26, 2009 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2009-09-26-purdue.html |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He was voted by his teammates to represent tight ends on the Irish Leadership Committee. Rudolph ended the season ranked third on the team with 33 receptions (17 resulting in first downs) for 364 yards and three touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Kyle Rudolph 2009 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/kyle-rudolph-1/gamelog/2009 |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

{{see also|2010 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team}}

Rudolph had his promising 2010 junior season derailed by a hamstring injury that ended his season after six games.{{Cite web |last=Yotter |first=Tim |date=November 30, 2018 |title=From injured beginnings to ironman days |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/Article/Kyle-Rudolph-goes-from-injured-beginnings-to-ironman-days-125626001/ |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Minnesota Vikings |language=en-US}} On September 11, he set a Notre Dame record for most receiving yards in a game by a tight end against Michigan with 164 yards on eight receptions, with more than half of the yardage coming after he hauled in the second-longest pass play in school history with a 95-yard touchdown.{{Cite web |last=Hamilton |first=Brian |date=September 15, 2010 |title=Rudolph flourishing in Irish attack |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/ct-xpm-2010-09-15-ct-spt-0916-notre-dame-kyle-rudolph-f20100915-story.html |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=Chicago Tribune}} Rudolph finished his final collegiate season with 28 receptions for 328 yards and three touchdowns, ending his three-season career at Notre Dame ranked among the all-time leading tight ends in school history.{{Cite web |title=Kyle Rudolph 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/kyle-rudolph-1/gamelog/2010 |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} His 90 career receptions were the fourth-most by a tight end in school history and his 1,032 career receiving yards are also fourth-most. His pair of eight-catch games fell one reception short of the school record for a tight end of nine receptions in a game and was only the fourth Irish tight end to break the 1,000-yard career yardage plateau.

On January 4, 2011, Rudolph decided to forgo his senior season and declared for the 2011 NFL draft.{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2011 |title=Notre Dame TE Rudolph declares for draft |url=https://www.9news.com/article/sports/ncaa/ncaaf/notre-dame-te-rudolph-declares-for-draft/73-335428995 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=KUSA.com |language=en-US}}

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 6+1/8

| weight = 259

| dash = 4.83

| ten split = 1.67

| twenty split = 2.80

| shuttle = 4.37

| cone drill = 7.24

| vertical = 34+1/2

| broad ft = 9

| broad in = 5

| bench = 19

| wonderlic =

| arm span = 34

| hand span = 10+3/4

| note = All values from Notre Dame's Pro Day{{Cite web |title=*Kyle Rudolph, DS #1 TE, Notre Dame |url=http://draftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=84239&draftyear=2011&genpos=TE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203104115/http://draftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=84239&draftyear=2011&genpos=TE |archive-date=December 3, 2018 |website=NFLDraftScout.com}}{{Cite web |title=Kyle Rudolph Stats, News and Video – TE |url=http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/kyle-rudolph?id=2495438 |website=NFL.com}}

}}

Rudolph did not participate in the 2011 NFL combine because of his torn hamstring, but posted a 4.78 40-yard dash time only three weeks after being medically cleared to participate at Notre Dame's Pro Day in South Bend, Indiana.{{Cite web |last=Sheridan |first=Jim |date=April 9, 2011 |title=2011 NFL Draft: Kyle Rudolph's Strong Pro Day Bolsters His Draft Stock |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/659006-2011-nfl-draft-kyle-rudolphs-strong-pro-day-bolsters-his-draft-stock |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}

Rudolph was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 43rd overall pick in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=2011 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/draft.htm |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was the first tight end selected in the draft and is the second-highest drafted tight end in Vikings history behind Hal Bedsole (chosen in the first round, 19th overall) in the 1964 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=Minnesota Vikings All-Time Draft History |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/draft.htm |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

During his rookie season, Rudolph started 8 of 15 games, catching 26 passes for 249 yards with a 9.6-yard average per reception and three receiving touchdowns, all of them in the final seven games of the season as he assumed larger role in Bill Musgrave's offense.{{Cite web |title=Kyle Rudolph 2011 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RudoKy00/gamelog/2011/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 4, he hauled in a season-long 41-yard pass against the Kansas City Chiefs.{{Cite web |title=Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs – October 2nd, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201110020kan.htm |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} His first career touchdown came on a 1-yard pass from fellow rookie quarterback Christian Ponder against the Oakland Raiders on November 20.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Minnesota Vikings – November 20th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111200min.htm |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Overall, he finished his rookie season with 26 receptions for 249 yards and three touchdowns.{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Chris |date=July 31, 2012 |title=John Carlson, Kyle Rudolph hoping to replicate Patriots TEs' success |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/audibles/2012/07/31/john-carlson-kyle-rudolph-hoping-to-replicate-patriots-tes-success |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=SI.com |language=en}} He was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team.{{Cite web |title=2011 NFL All-Rookie Team |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-all-rookie-2011.htm |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

File:Rudolph Pro Bowl 2013.jpg

In 2012, Rudolph had, in many ways, a breakout year. He was targeted 93 times and had 53 receptions averaging 9.3 yards per reception. Rudolph finished the year with 493 receiving yards and a career-high nine touchdowns, the second-most by a Vikings tight end in a season in team history.{{Cite web |last1=Dur |first1=Erik |date=April 30, 2015 |title=Growing Expectations For Vikings Tight End Kyle Rudolph |url=https://thevikingage.com/2015/04/30/growing-expectations-vikings-tight-end-kyle-rudolph/ |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=The Viking Age |language=en-US}} His nine touchdown catches, which is a career-high, were also tied for second-most by a tight end in the NFL in 2012.{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Receiving |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/receiving.htm |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=Espn.go.com |language=en}} In the season-opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 9, he had a then career-best 67 receiving yards on five receptions.{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Minnesota Vikings – September 9th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209090min.htm |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On September 16, he hauled in a six-yard touchdown pass with only 31 seconds remaining in the game versus the Indianapolis Colts to tie the game 20–20 after being down 20–6 entering the 4th quarter of game that Colts won on a late field goal 23–20.{{Cite web |title=Minnesota Vikings at Indianapolis Colts – September 16th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209160clt.htm |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In week 3, he had a career-best two touchdown catches in the Vikings' win at San Francisco, matching the Vikings single-game best by a tight end.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings – September 23rd, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209230min.htm |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In week 6, he caught a touchdown pass and a 2-point conversion pass against the Washington Redskins.{{Cite web |title=Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins – October 14th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210140was.htm |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Vikings finished with a 10–6 record and qualified for the playoffs.{{Cite web |title=2012 Minnesota Vikings Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/2012.htm |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the Wild Card Round against the Green Bay Packers, he finished with three receptions for 42 yards in the 24–10 loss.{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – January 5th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301050gnb.htm |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Rudolph was selected for his first Pro Bowl in his career at the conclusion of the season as a replacement for Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez.{{Cite web |last=Wobschall |first=Mike |date=January 22, 2013 |title=Rudolph Selected To First Pro Bowl |url=http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Rudolph-Selected-To-First-Pro-Bowl/ecc918a0-fc4e-4447-9604-f8e18af87fde |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126191243/http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Rudolph-Selected-To-First-Pro-Bowl/ecc918a0-fc4e-4447-9604-f8e18af87fde |archive-date=January 26, 2013 |access-date=January 30, 2013 |website=Vikings.com}} At the end of the game he was named Pro Bowl MVP.

Rudolph had his promising season cut short by injury after hauling in 30 catches for 313 yards and three touchdowns in the opening eight games of the season.{{Cite web |title=Kyle Rudolph 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RudoKy00.htm |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was placed on injured reserve on December 9 after being inactive for 5 games following a foot injury suffered against the Dallas Cowboys, when he caught a 31-yard touchdown, his longest play of the season, and injured his foot on the play.{{Cite web |last=Stites |first=Adam |date=December 9, 2013 |title=Rudolph placed on IR |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/12/9/5192948/kyle-rudolph-injured-reserve-vikings |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=SBNation.com}} He caught his first touchdown of the season on a 20-yarder from Christian Ponder in the Vikings' loss at Chicago in week 2. In week 6 against the Carolina Panthers, he had a season-best 9 catches for 97 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings – October 13th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201310130min.htm |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On July 27, Rudolph and the Vikings agreed to a five-year extension worth $36.5 million.{{Cite web |last=Goessling |first=Ben |title=Kyle Rudolph, Vikings agree on deal |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11274060/kyle-rudolph-minnesota-vikings-agree-contract-extension |access-date=July 28, 2014 |website=ESPN.com|date=July 28, 2014 }} He opened the season with a seven-yard touchdown reception from Matt Cassel in the Vikings' blowout win over the St. Louis Rams on September 7.{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Brian |date=September 6, 2014 |title=Vikings 34, Rams 6: Beat thee in St. Louis |url=https://www.twincities.com/2014/09/06/vikings-34-rams-6-beat-thee-in-st-louis/ |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Twin Cities |language=en-US}} On September 22, it was announced that Rudolph would undergo surgery for a sports hernia, requiring seven weeks to recover.{{Cite web |last=Tesfatsion |first=Master |date=September 29, 2014 |title=Kyle Rudolph recovering from sports hernia surgery |url=http://www.startribune.com/kyle-rudolph-recovering-from-sports-hernia-surgery/277479901/ |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Star Tribune}} He posted a season-high seven receptions and 69 receiving yards in a loss at Detroit on December 14.{{Cite web |title=Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – December 14th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412140det.htm |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} His second touchdown of the season came against the Carolina Panthers on the opening drive on a 4-yard toss from Teddy Bridgewater.{{Cite web |title=Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings – November 30th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411300min.htm |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Overall, Rudolph appeared in nine games, making eight starts and finishing the season with 24 receptions for 231 yards and two touchdowns.{{Cite web |last=Vensel |first=Matt |date=May 28, 2015 |title=Bridgewater excited about 'addition' of healthy tight end Kyle Rudolph |url=http://www.startribune.com/bridgewater-excited-about-the-addition-of-healthy-tight-end-kyle-rudolph/305330261/ |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Star Tribune}}

In 2015, Rudolph started all 16 games for the second time in his career. He posted a career-high 495 yards receiving and had the second-best totals of his career in receptions with 49 and five touchdowns.{{Cite web |last=Fay |first=John |date=August 10, 2016 |title=Former Elder star Kyle Rudolph glad to be home |url=https://www.wcpo.com/sports/football/former-elder-star-current-minnesota-vikings-tight-end-kyle-rudolph-is-glad-to-be-home-in-cincinnati |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=WCPO |language=en}} Due to a weak Vikings' offensive line, Rudolph was asked to block often and helped clear the way for Adrian Peterson to lead the NFL in rushing with 1,485 yards on the ground.{{Cite web |title=2015 Minnesota Vikings Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/2015.htm |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 2 against the Detroit Lions, he caught 5 passes for 30 yards and a touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – September 20th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201509200min.htm |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Rudolph set a single-game career high with 106 yards receiving against the Green Bay Packers on November 22, including a career-long 47-yard touchdown.{{Cite web |last=Goessling |first=Ben |date=November 22, 2015 |title=Kyle Rudolph up, Adrian Peterson down in Vikings' loss |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/72952 |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} The following week, he caught a season-high seven passes in the win against the Atlanta Falcons.{{Cite web |title=Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons – November 29th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511290atl.htm |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Overall, he finished the 2015 season with 49 receptions for 495 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Kyle Rudolph 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RudoKy00/gamelog/2015/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the Wild Card Round loss against the Seattle Seahawks, he moved the chains with a 24-yard reception late in the fourth quarter that led to the infamous Blair Walsh' missed field goal.{{Cite web |date=January 10, 2016 |title=Seahawks escape after Vikings miss 27-yard FG |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/seahawks-escape-with-wild-card-win-after-vikings-blair-walsh-misses-field-goal-1.11310904 |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Newsday |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}

In Week 2 of the regular season, Rudolph caught a touchdown pass in the end zone, (the first for Sam Bradford as a Viking) in the 17–14 win over the Green Bay Packers.{{Cite web |last=Wright |first=Jordan |date=September 19, 2016 |title=Week 2 stock market report: Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers |url=https://thevikingage.com/2016/09/19/week-2-minnesota-vikings-green-bay-packers/5/ |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=The Viking Age |language=en-US}} In the Vikings' upset of the 2015 NFC champions Carolina Panthers in Week 3, Rudolph was one of the few bright spots for a Vikings' offense that struggled to move the ball in the first half, catching seven passes for 70 yards and a touchdown.{{Cite web |last=Tomasson |first=Chris |date=September 25, 2016 |title=Vikings: Kyle Rudolph comes up big as he waits on birth of twins |url=https://www.twincities.com/2016/09/25/vikings-kyle-rudolph-comes-up-big-as-he-waits-on-birth-of-twins/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=Twin Cities |language=en-US}} Against the New York Giants on October 3, Rudolph hauled in five receptions (four of them resulting in first downs) for 55 yards and a touchdown.{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Lindsay |date=October 3, 2016 |title=Kyle Rudolph Helps Vikings Meet Zimmer's Goal for 1st Downs |url=https://www.vikings.com/news/kyle-rudolph-helps-vikings-meet-zimmer-s-goal-for-1st-downs-17814589 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=www.vikings.com |language=en-US}} In Week 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Rudolph hauled in his sixth touchdown of the season and 28th of his career, placing him in a tie with Vikings legend Steve Jordan for the most by a tight end in franchise history.{{Cite web |date=December 11, 2016 |title=Vikings-Jaguars Notebook: Historic TD Gives Chance at Brighter Future |url=https://www.vikings.com/news/vikings-jaguars-notebook-historic-td-gives-chance-at-brighter-future-18251399 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=www.vikings.com |language=en-US}} In Week 17 against the Chicago Bears, Rudolph saw 15 passes thrown his way, hauling in 11 for 117 yards (including a touchdown) to set the franchise record for most receptions in a season for a tight end with 83.{{Cite web |last=Gates |first=Christopher |date=January 1, 2017 |title=Kyle Rudolph Sets Several Records In Vikings' Victory |url=https://www.dailynorseman.com/2017/1/1/14140866/kyle-rudolph-vikings-records |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Daily Norseman}} Overall, in the 2016 season, he finished with 83 receptions for 840 yards and seven touchdowns.{{Cite web |last=Graff |first=Chad |date=August 22, 2017 |title=After career year, Vikings' Kyle Rudolph working to become 'complete tight end' |url=https://www.twincities.com/2017/08/22/after-career-year-vikings-kyle-rudolph-working-to-become-complete-tight-end/ |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Twin Cities |language=en-US}}

File:Rudolph Norman.jpg in 2017]]

In 2017, Rudolph started all 16 games, recording 57 catches for 532 yards and eight touchdowns.{{Cite web |date=June 5, 2018 |title=Minnesota Vikings' Kyle Rudolph participating in OTAs despite surgery |url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NFL/2018/06/05/Minnesota-Vikings-Kyle-Rudolph-participating-in-OTAs-despite-surgery/3631528249020/ |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=UPI |language=en}} The Vikings finished with a 13–3 record atop the NFC North and made it to the NFC Championship.{{Cite web |title=2017 Minnesota Vikings Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/2017.htm |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He had a 25-yard touchdown reception on the first drive of the game, which proved to be the Vikings' only score as they went on to lose 38–7 to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.{{Cite web |last=Neumann |first=Tim |date=January 21, 2018 |title=Disaster In Philly: Eagles Crush Vikings, 38–7 |url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2018/01/21/minnesota-vikings-nfc-championship-game/ |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=CBS – Minnesota |language=en}} On January 22, 2018, he was named to his second Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |date=January 22, 2018 |title=Linval Joseph, Kyle Rudolph, Harrison Smith Named to 2018 Pro Bowl |url=http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Linval-Joseph-Kyle-Rudolph-Harrison-Smith-Named-to-2018-Pro-Bowl/c52bacec-ad98-41c7-9550-08824eb41d31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123023033/http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Linval-Joseph-Kyle-Rudolph-Harrison-Smith-Named-to-2018-Pro-Bowl/c52bacec-ad98-41c7-9550-08824eb41d31 |archive-date=January 23, 2018 |access-date=January 23, 2018 |website=Vikings.com}}

In Week 1 of the 2018 season, Rudolph scored a touchdown, his first with new quarterback Kirk Cousins, in the victory over the San Francisco 49ers.{{Cite web |last=Broome |first=Anthony |date=September 9, 2018 |title=Kirk Cousins fires touchdown pass to Kyle Rudolph |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/Article/Kirk-Cousins-fires-touchdown-pass-to-Kyle-Rudolph-121672247/ |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Minnesota Vikings |language=en-US}} In Week 16, against the Detroit Lions, he caught a Hail Mary for a touchdown before the end of the half. On the day, he had nine receptions for 122 yards and two touchdowns in the 27–9 victory.{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Dave |date=December 23, 2018 |title=Kyle Rudolph of Elder HS catches Hail Mary before halftime in Vikings' win against Lions |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/high-school/ohio-high-school/2018/12/23/kyle-rudolph-catches-hail-mary-vikings-win-against-detroit-lions/2403810002/ |access-date=December 25, 2018 |website=Cincinnati.com |language=en}} In the 2018 season, he had 64 receptions for 634 yards and scored four touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Kyle Rudolph 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RudoKy00/gamelog/2018/ |access-date=June 4, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

After Rudolph was involved in trade rumors throughout the offseason, the Vikings signed Rudolph to a four-year, $36 million contract extension on June 10, 2019.{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Lakisha |date=June 11, 2019 |title=Vikings, Kyle Rudolph agree to terms on 4-year deal |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/vikings-kyle-rudolph-agree-to-terms-on-4-year-deal-0ap3000001033309 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=NFL.com}}

In Week 10 against the Dallas Cowboys, Rudolph caught four passes for 14 yards and two touchdowns in the 28–24 win.{{Cite web |date=November 10, 2019 |title=Cook leads Vikings to 28–24 prime-time road win over Cowboys |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128041 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316014219/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128041 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 16, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} In Week 11 against the Denver Broncos, Rudolph caught five passes for a season high 67 yards and a touchdown in the 27–23 comeback win.{{Cite web |date=November 17, 2019 |title=Vikings overcome 20–0 deficit at half to beat Broncos 27–23 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128081 |access-date=November 17, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} Overall, Rudolph finished the 2019 season with 39 receptions for 367 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Kyle Rudolph 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RudoKy00/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=June 4, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

In the NFC Wild Card Round against the New Orleans Saints, Rudolph caught four passes for 31 yards, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime, during the 26–20 win.{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2020 |title=Cook, Vikings upend Saints 26–20 in OT in NFC playoffs |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401131038 |access-date=January 5, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}

In Week 10 against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, after Rudolph recorded his first catch he fumbled the football while being tackled by linebacker Danny Trevathan and the ball was recovered by safety Tashaun Gipson. This was Rudolph's first career lost fumble in his 137-game career. He later recorded a season high four catches for 63 yards during the 19–13 win.{{Cite web |title=Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – November 16th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011160chi.htm |access-date=November 20, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On December 29, 2020, Rudolph was placed on injured reserve.{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Lindsey |date=December 29, 2020 |title=Vikings Move TE Kyle Rudolph to IR; Sign G Kyle Hinton to Active Roster |url=https://www.vikings.com/news/kyle-rudolph-ir-kyle-hinton-active-roster |access-date=February 10, 2021 |website=Vikings.com}} He finished the 2020 season with 28 receptions for 334 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Kyle Rudolph 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RudoKy00/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On March 2, 2021, Rudolph was released by the Vikings.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Eric |date=March 2, 2021 |title=Vikings Release Tight End Kyle Rudolph |url=https://www.vikings.com/news/kyle-rudolph-released-contract-terminated |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=Minnesota Vikings}}{{Cite web |last=Cronin |first=Courtney |date=March 2, 2021 |title=TE Rudolph released by Vikings after 10 seasons |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30992195/minnesota-vikings-release-te-kyle-rudolph-10-seasons |access-date=March 3, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} They designated him as a post-June 1 cut to reduce the amount of dead money his contract would have put against the reduced salary cap for the 2021 season.{{Cite web |last=White |first=Jack |date=March 18, 2021 |title=How an update on former Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph's designation affects the salary cap |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/former-vikings-te-kyle-rudolph-151654053.html |access-date=March 18, 2021 |website=Yahoo! Sports}}

Rudolph signed with the New York Giants on March 24, 2021.{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Michael |date=March 24, 2021 |title=Giants sign 2x Pro Bowl tight end Kyle Rudolph |url=https://www.giants.com/news/kyle-rudolph-contract-sign-minnesota-vikings-notre-dame-nfl-free-agency |access-date=March 24, 2021 |website=Giants.com}} On December 21, 2021, the New York Giants restructured Rudolph's contract to create cap space.{{Cite web |last=Dunleavy |first=Ryan |date=December 21, 2021 |title=Giants restructure Kyle Rudolph, Riley Dixon contracts to add cap space |url=https://nypost.com/2021/12/21/giants-restructure-rudolph-dixon-deals-to-free-up-cap-space/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=nypost.com}} He finished the 2021 season with 26 receptions for 257 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Kyle Rudolph 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RudoKy00/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was released on March 2, 2022.{{Cite web |last=Raanan |first=Jordan |date=March 2, 2022 |title=Kyle Rudolph announces release from New York Giants |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33405832/kyle-rudolph-announces-release-new-york-giants |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}}

On July 20, 2022, Rudolph signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year deal.{{Cite web |last=Easterling |first=Luke |date=July 20, 2022 |title=Bucs sign TE Kyle Rudolph to 1-year deal |url=https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2022/07/20/nfl-news-tampa-bay-buccaneers-kyle-rudolph-1-year-deal/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=USAToday.com}}

Rudolph's 50th touchdown reception happened to be Tom Brady's final regular-season touchdown pass. In the same game, Rudolph injured his knee and was sidelined for the following playoff game, and remained unsigned after becoming a free agent in the off-season.{{Cite web |date=September 5, 2023 |title=Ex-Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph confirms retirement after 12-year NFL career |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/09/05/exvikings-tight-end-kyle-rudolph-confirms-retirement-after-12year-nfl-career |access-date=February 19, 2024 |website=Minnesota Public Radio |agency=The Associated Press}}

File:Youths attend Kyle Rudolph Football ProCamp (1).jpg

On September 4, 2023, Rudolph announced his retirement from professional football. Rudolph began working as a Big Ten analyst for Peacock, and co-hosts a Sunday night show on Fox Sports Radio starting in the fall of 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/former-vikings-te-kyle-rudolph-retires-from-nfl-after-12-seasons|date=September 4, 2023|accessdate=September 4, 2023|title=Former Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph retires from NFL after 12 seasons|work=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |date=September 4, 2023 |title=Two-time Pro Bowl TE Kyle Rudolph retires after 12 seasons |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38327793/pro-bowl-te-kyle-rudolph-retires-12-seasons |access-date=February 19, 2024 |website=ESPN.com|via=Reuters}}{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=Craig |date=September 21, 2023 |title=Kyle Rudolph Retires from Football, Continues Philanthropy |url=https://www.vikings.com/news/kyle-rudolph-retires-football-community-philanthropy |access-date=February 19, 2024 |website=Vikings.com}}

{{reflist}}

{{commons}}

• {{Football stats |nfl=Kyle-Rudolph|espn=14054|yahoo=24830 |pfr=R/RudoKy00}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120244/http://www.und.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/rudolph_kyle00.html Notre Dame Fighting Irish bio]

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Category:1989 births

Category:Living people

Category:American football tight ends

Category:National Conference Pro Bowl players

Category:Notre Dame Fighting Irish football players

Category:Minnesota Vikings players

Category:Players of American football from Cincinnati

Category:Elder High School alumni

Category:New York Giants players

Category:Tampa Bay Buccaneers players