Vikings player retires
Minnesota Vikings tight end Ben Ellefson announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday. Raised in Hawlee, Minnesota, Ellefson spent the last two years with the Vikings. Ellefson arrived in Minnesota after finishing his rookie season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Injuries marred his three-year career as Ellefson was placed on injured reserve in each of […]
Minnesota Vikings tight end Ben Ellefson announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday. Raised in Hawlee, Minnesota, Ellefson spent the last two years with the Vikings.
Ellefson arrived in Minnesota after finishing his rookie season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Injuries marred his three-year career as Ellefson was placed on injured reserve in each of the last three seasons before hanging up his cleats.
The North Dakota State product took to his Instagram page (@ben.ellefson) to announce his decision to move on from football.
"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," Ellefson wrote. "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.
"Injuries are 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," Ellefson concluded.
Primarily used as a blocking tight end, Ellefson finished his career with four receptions for 36 yards. He added two tackles while contributing on special teams in 2022 and found the paydirt on a two-point conversion with the Jaguars in the 2020 season.
Featured image via Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports
