Former Alabama center Ryan Kelly is one of the greatest winners in Crimson Tide football history. He spent five seasons in Tuscaloosa as part of the Alabama football team, and during that time was part of national championship-winning teams in 2011, 2012, and 2015.
On Friday, the 2015 All-American announced his retirement from the NFL after 10 seasons and four Pro Bowl appearances, along with a 2nd team All Pro selection in 2020.
10 seasons. What an incredible ride it was. I was blessed to be around some of the greatest people this sport has to offer. I always wanted to leave each place better than how I found it and with that I can hang my hat. Forever grateful for my family and brothers! Cheers pic.twitter.com/LzliGJ2wOK
— Ryan Kelly (@ryan_kelly70) March 6, 2026
Former Alabama center Ryan Kelly announces his retirement after 10 NFL seasons
Kelly took a redshirt during his first season in Tuscaloosa in 2011, and then served as a backup on the 2012 team. He took over as the team's starting center in 2013, a position he held for three seasons. During the 2015 season, Kelly capped his career with a third national championship, his first as a starter, and was a consensus All-American and All-SEC performer. He won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the best lineman in the SEC and captured the Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center.
Kelly anchored an Alabama offensive line in 2015 that paved the way for Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry.
Kelly was the 18th overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2016 NFL Draft. He played nine of his 10 professional seasons with the Colts, being named to the Pro Bowl four times, and was a 2nd Team All-Pro in 2020.
Following his 2nd team All-Pro season in 2020, Kelly agreed to a contract extension with the Colts that was worth $50 million, making him the highest-paid center in the NFL at the time.
Kelly signed a free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings before last season for two years and $18 million and played the 2025 season with them, but it was marred by three separate concussions, the last of which ended his season.
Kelly had one year left on his contract, but has instead decided to hang up his cleats.