Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Phil Loadholt is hanging up his cleats, pads and helmet for good after spending seven years in the NFL.
Matt Vensel of the Minnesota Star Tribune first reported this news, with Ian Rapoport of NFL Media confirming it about an hour later.
#Vikings OT Phil Loadholt has officially informed the team that he’s retired. He met with GM Rick Spielman today.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 25, 2016
This isn’t shocking news, as Loadholt hasn’t been healthy since being placed on injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle late in the 2014 season. He tore his Achilles tendon before the 2015 season and missed the entire campaign. Then he experienced another setback this spring, prompting him to make the decision to retire.
A stalwart right tackle for the Vikings since being drafted by the team in 2009, he started 89 games before being bit by the injury bug.
This paves the way for former Cincinnati Bengals tackle Andre Smith to start on the right side for Minnesota this year.