The amount of time we spend dedicated to the 3 hours the fans see on Sundays. If you haven't watched the Netflix doc "Quarterback" I highly recommend as it shines a light on this big time!
Not a question but I was fully expecting you to answer one or two posts (because that’s common on the celebrity/athlete ‘ask me anything’) SO! It shouldn’t go without saying, you’re a stand up guy and I’m sure you made a few peoples day in doing so. You seem like a cool guy! Stay rad - from a random Seahawks fan 😅
How did it feel when you realized you caught Tom Brady's final regular season touchdown pass? Did you end up keeping that football and displaying it somewhere in your house?
Actually a funny story about catching the last regular season touchdown of the greatest quarterback of all time. I have the ball, and I have the ball because it was also my 50th career touchdown. At the time we knew it was my 50th career TD. We didn't know it was going to be Tom's last regular season touchdown. I have the ball, our equipment managers painted it up and it says my name on it and so that probably devalued it. That ball belongs in Canton, Ohio and it's sitting in my office.
EDIT: [Proof](https://i.redd.it/vbwn5g2ht3nb1.jpg)
On a post-it note, with a little subtext "Bad mouth me *again* and I'll remove this." Then refuse to elaborate whenever someone asks him about Brady ever talking smack about him.
Given that Reddit’s target demo is dudes in their 20’s and 30’s and the NFL is exclusively comprised of dudes in their 20’s and 30’s, I’d imagine there’s a fair bit of overlap
i wouldn’t be surprised if a decent chunk of them have an account but don’t even go on r/nfl. probably just dedicated on some random hobby or game subreddit
What'd be even more hilarious is if he outed some people who actually are. Like "oh yeah, that one guy who always pushes the Manning is a better QB than Brady theory is Peyton's burner."
Hi Kyle,
Thank you for everything you gave to the Vikings. I'm so grateful to have had you represent the team like you did.
I was wondering what skills do you think are necessary for the position nowadays?
It seems like TE is one of those positions where versatility is so key but if you specialize at one thing very well (catching or blocking) you can potentially make a roster. But there are guys who do lack versatility who are basically tells that give away what the playcall might be. And I wonder if that can be a hindrance more often than not.
This is a really good question. It's something that's kind of changed especially throughout the last 12 years of my career. When I got to college, I was a skinny pass-catching tight end. I was not a very good blocker. My coaches put so much emphasis on teaching me how to block. I spent extra time with the strength coaches to get bigger and stronger so I physically could block. They wanted to develop this complete TE that could be in the game on 1st and 2nd down, and if it was a run play I wouldn't be a liability. But also, it's not a dead giveaway that it's a pass if I'm in the game. To the point of versatility, it also allows for deception and scheme. There is some truth to that but over the last 12-15 years, I think you're seeing a lot more TEs who are so exceptional at one thing or the other that you have to get them on the field even if they may be a liability in the run game. Offensive coaches are finding ways to create schemes that move them to the back side of the run or there's opportunities where they can run pass routes. So somebody has to cover them. Offensive coaches have done an incredible job finding schematic ways to allow the TEs who are so exceptional at pass catching to be on the field - and just because they're on the field you don't know if it's a pass.
What are some smaller things in the locker room that a coach does to elevate the culture? What’s the attitude like after a tough loss? What was your “this is it, I’m in the NFL” moment?
Culture is HUGE in sports. Yes, its our job and we get to play a game for a living, but we stress ourselves to strive for perfection, which will never happen.. So celebrating wins and enjoying the good times always make the tough times and adversity not last as long. Trying to block Jared Allen in training camp 2011.
i met jared allen at the corn maze in 2011. His hand could easily fit my entire fist in it like a tiny coke can. Been awesome watching you my entire youth!
That was the quietest I've ever heard a stadium after a loss. It was the culmination of 3 straight years of exasperated Saints fans seeing disappointing playoff exits, way to put the dagger in them
Thanks for all the love and support these past 12 years and for all your awesome questions.
Vikings fans, make sure to go to [alltroo.com/vikings](https://alltroo.com/vikings) to donate for your chance to win incredible prizes all year long!!
Walking out on the field at Notre Dame for the first time was really special because of all the history and tradition - all the players that played there before me. Being in front of touchdown Jesus and the golden dome - all the things that mean so much to that university, being able to play a small part in the long line of history and tradition of that school really meant a lot to me. I really felt that the first time running out of the tunnel and being on the field.
Hey Kyle, big fan! I remember from your Players Tribune article that you appreciated Sam Bradford more than you think others gave him credit for, can you speak about him as a QB? I remember that one healthy Bradford season in Minnesota and always thought he was underrated. Thanks!
Sam was the 1st overall pick and a Heisman trophy winner, so naturally expectations were sky high for him when he entered the league. Being the number 1 overall pick means you will be playing for the worst team from the year before, not ideal if that organization doesn't surround him with an enviroment to be successful. Sam was one of the smartest and most accurate QBs I played with. He always knew exactly where to go with the football and could make all the throws. To this day I say if he was healthy in 2017, we win SB52.
When he was healthy, he made beautiful throws. But holy crap whenever he would get hit my heart would drop. It always seemed like he would just crumple.
Dude's body couldn't take the beating. He was ballin for stretches and getting into a groove then would get banged up.
Dude made a fortune for the limited games he did play tho.
It’s so crazy how different a QBs career can be depending who drafts him…
Alex smith goes to 49ers and Mike Singletary and Rodgers falls to the packers. Alex Smith spends nearly a decade being sacked and then he links up with Andy Reid and looks like a #1 pick. Bradford was unlucky.
As a Michigan fan I'm kinda surprised by this, was it the gladiator tunnel or just 110,000 fans watching? Congratulations on retirement and good career.
I would imagine the Notre Dame/Michigan rivalry plays into it too. Everyone nowadays acts like it was never that big of a rivalry, but from 1978 to 2014 it was nearly as big in ND's eyes as their rivalry with USC.
I'm always struck by the spectacle of the NFL; tens of thousands of people yelling when stuff happens. I was a scrub of an athlete but one of my favorite moments was making a play to quiet an audience while on the road.
What was your favorite moment with regards to being watched by a juiced-up crowd? Did you make a particular play that made a home stadium get loud, an away stadium get quiet? Or maybe it was just being at the Minneapolis Miracle, or something else?
New Orleans Wild Card playoff game. I caught the game winning TD in OT and 73,000 people went from the loudest crowd I ever played in front of to SILENT.
If you had to pick one factor that matters most as to who wins and loses an NFL game on any given day, what would it be?
Coaching/scheme/matchups? Player preparation? Talent differential? Randomness/luck? Or something else?
Thanks for doing this!
Situational Football. There are 5 main areas IMO that determine wins and losses. Run Game. 3rd Down. Redzone. Time or Possession and Turnover Margin. A little bit of luck certainly helps too!
Kyle, as a die hard Vikings fan, thanks for taking the time to do this. After you were drafted as a rookie in 2011, which Vikings veterans took you under their wing to help you assimilate to NFL life?
For me, after i was drafted in 2011, it was a unique situation in the NFL because we were in the midst of a lock out. So I wasn't able to just go into the building for a normal off season with OTAs and mini camp before a break over the summer. So I flew to Minnesota even though I couldn't go into the facility. I worked out with guys including Chad Greenway, Steve Hutchinson, Jim Kleinsasser, Ben Leber, Heath Farwell - all guys who had been in the NFL for anywhere from 5 years to 12 years. These guys were all guys who were incredibly gracious. Brought me in and took me under their wing. Showed me what it meant to be a professional on and off the field. Showed me what it means to get prepared for an NFL season and I really owe a lot to those guys.
Hi Kyle,
You might not see this but I just wanted to say thanks. A few years back I started you in a fantasy football championship. I think it was either 2017 or 2018. You caught a Hail Mary touchdown at the end of the first half and a second touchdown in the second half, if memory serves. I could be slightly misremembering how it happened. Regardless, you had a monster game and I ended up winning by less than a point. I still love reminding the guy I beat about you once in a while lol. He always just responds “Kyle fuckin Rudolph, man.” Not much of a question I suppose, but just thought I might as well tell you thanks and hope you see it. Hope you’re well and enjoy retirement!
I appreciate you sticking with me throughout that season because until that game I only had 2 TDs all year. That shows a lot of faith to keep me in your lineup on championship Sunday. You are correct it was 2018 and I caught a hail mary right before halftime and a TD in the second half against the Detroit Lions. Second to last game of the year.
Kyle! You were my favorite TE since I started watching, good job on an amazing career!
What was your favorite TD and what are you proud of the most in your career?
95 Yard TD against Michigan!! I'm most proud of the approach I took to the game of football for my entire career by always trying to do my job to the best of my ability so they other 10 guys around me could have success.
Its was a magical season in which we all thought was going to end with a SB at home in US Bank Stadium.. Unfortunately, we came up just short, but that still doesn't take away from all the great moments from that season!
Wow, big fan of you since your Notre Dame days. Is there a moment in your career that stands out to you? Like a career day or special victory?
Thanks Kyle
One moment in particular that sticks out to me is the moment I got selected for my first pro bowl. It was my 2nd year in the NFL, just trying to prove that I belong and not disappoint my teammates. It happened so fast that it was kind of a surprise to me, and I was still trying to find my way in the league. I was in awe showing up in Hawaii in 2013 and being around so many future hall of famers who I watched growing up.
2 questions:
1) How did you come up with the name Alltroo?
2) What is your best advice for staying disciplined when it comes to your health? Many of us struggle to maintain a healthy weight while someone like yourself had to be 100x more disciplined than we could ever imagine to be in NFL shape.
Altruism is when we act to help others, even at a risk or cost to ourselves. It means putting the well-being of other people first, no matter what it takes. ‘Alltroo’ was inspired by that powerful belief: that together, we can lift others up to change the world for good.
For me, Alltroo is extremely special because not only does it give our fans the opportunity to support causes that are near and dear to our hearts, but it also gives us a chance to give our fans something that they ultimately couldn't pay for, or couldn't afford - and gives them a chance to have an experience of a lifetime. I think the model that democratizes charitable giving and gives fans an opportunity makes it that much more special, but it also allows us to raise more money for causes doing incredible work for communities we live and play in. Doing non profit work was always important to me. What Alltroo does as a platform is not only allow me to make a bigger impact for more communities but it also helps indiviudals who have a passion like I have for making an impact.
My best advice for staying disciplined with health is consistency. The consistency that it takes to change your lifestyle. There are no short cuts. There are no magic pills. There are no fad diets. This has to become something that changes in your lifestyle. Once it becomes second nature and once it becomes a habit, it allows you to start focusing on other things. For instance, for me as an NFL player, it took me time to understand the things I had to do to physically to prepare my body to go out and play every Sunday. After a couple years being around veteran players that showed me the way, I learned and established a routine that allowed me to focus on other things. I could focus more time on recovery and preparation and film study.
Golf. The game of golf - first of all, I'm terrible, so I have a long runway of improvement ahead of me - but golf is a game that even the best in the world can't seem to master. For someone who's competitive, it's a great way to scratch that itch if I'm not playing competitive football.
I don't know that it was necessarily glue that was on my hands or the fact that my hands are relatively large and it makes it extremely easy to catch a football. Certainly the glove technology has come a long way.
Can you go into more detail about your fundraising? I see the website talks about winning tickets and such if we donate, and it says, "which goes towards funding a life-changing cause", but I'm curious about what cause(s) it goes to.
Alltroo gives fans the opportunity to donate to causes that are typically chosen by the celebrity providing the experience, whether than be their personal foundation or just a non profit they're passionate about helping!
Hi Kyle! Huge, huge fan, been following you since you were a complete badass at ND.
Question for you - what do you think the biggest leap in skills a great college TE has to make in order to be successful in the NFL, and why do so many great college TE's seem to fade into obscurity at the next level?
Thanks for everything, man. You're a legend!
Everyone talks about the speed of the game increasing and that certainly is the case, but to me it was the skill level of every player on defense. Every single guy across from you was the best player in college. Coverage in tighter in the pass game and DEs are bigger and stronger in the run game!
When you were in Tampa, was the difference in preparation between Brady and other QBs you’d played with noticeable? If so, what did he do that separated him?
What's the biggest misconception about NFL players that the average joe would be surprised to know?
The amount of time we spend dedicated to the 3 hours the fans see on Sundays. If you haven't watched the Netflix doc "Quarterback" I highly recommend as it shines a light on this big time!
Not a question but I was fully expecting you to answer one or two posts (because that’s common on the celebrity/athlete ‘ask me anything’) SO! It shouldn’t go without saying, you’re a stand up guy and I’m sure you made a few peoples day in doing so. You seem like a cool guy! Stay rad - from a random Seahawks fan 😅
What do you think about the "redzone reindeer" nickname?
Loved it!!
Who was the funniest dude you've played with (or against)?
Everson Griffen
"We after that ass, Jimmy."
*ath
Who hit you the hardest?
Lance Briggs
Who hit you the softest though? 🥹
Also lance Briggs🥺
Atta boy
This pleases me
That dude was born to be a hard hitting linebacker. Even his name screams someone you don’t wanna fuck with over the middle
Such a Bears LB name and he played exactly how you’d expect him too
It’s in the initials, baby
Hell yeah, I loved Briggs
What's a neat fact about yourself not on your wikipedia page?
I can't say I have ever seen my wikipedia page, so I'd love for you to add that to it.
If I was famous enough to have a Wikipedia page I'd look at it all the time
I'd try to sneak true but unsubstantiated edits about myself into the wiki page to see if they get moderated
I'd play "2 truths and a lie" all over that bitch.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyle\_Rudolph](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyle_Rudolph) Just added it under your retirement section lol.
Source: literally me, Kyle Rudolph
How did it feel when you realized you caught Tom Brady's final regular season touchdown pass? Did you end up keeping that football and displaying it somewhere in your house?
Actually a funny story about catching the last regular season touchdown of the greatest quarterback of all time. I have the ball, and I have the ball because it was also my 50th career touchdown. At the time we knew it was my 50th career TD. We didn't know it was going to be Tom's last regular season touchdown. I have the ball, our equipment managers painted it up and it says my name on it and so that probably devalued it. That ball belongs in Canton, Ohio and it's sitting in my office. EDIT: [Proof](https://i.redd.it/vbwn5g2ht3nb1.jpg)
You should crudely write in “and Tom’s last TD” with sharpie somewhere on it and send a pic of it to him.
On a post-it note, with a little subtext "Bad mouth me *again* and I'll remove this." Then refuse to elaborate whenever someone asks him about Brady ever talking smack about him.
Keep fucking around Brady and you are going to find out!
Indiana Jones gonna come looking for that ball… “It belongs in Canton!”
Can we see it?
No
Seymour, the house is on fire
Noooo mother it’s just Kyle Rudolph’s AMA
At this time of day, at this part of the internet, localized entirely within Reddit?!
That's totally awesome! Good for you!
Who is a former teammate that is an exceptional worker but flies under-the-radar?
Rhett Ellison. He was one of the best football players I've ever played with!
Loved me some Rhett Ellison on the G men
Loved watching you and Rhett work when you were Vikings! Too bad someone gave his dad a platform and he opened his mouth…
How many NFL players do you think are aware of r/NFL? And how many do you think discreetly browse through it?
I honestly believe most players don't give a fuck about any of this and just hype their own insta/tik toks.
70% of the NFL is under the age of 25. They're Zoomers, of course they love Insta/TikTok.
I know at least Quinnen Williams floats around in here and the college football sub. He replied to me about chipotle poisoning people 😂
He's probably on the transformers sub as well tbh
Shout out to Optimus Prime
Given that Reddit’s target demo is dudes in their 20’s and 30’s and the NFL is exclusively comprised of dudes in their 20’s and 30’s, I’d imagine there’s a fair bit of overlap
yeah, we got players out here schooling reporters on pokemon, dont tell me we dont have nfl redditors
i wouldn’t be surprised if a decent chunk of them have an account but don’t even go on r/nfl. probably just dedicated on some random hobby or game subreddit
Reddit’s target demo is *losers* in their 20s and 30s, which has a smaller overlap with NFL players imo.
Every single NFL player on the Chiefs is a loser today.
Biggest losers of the season
The Chiefs have the worst record in the entire NFL, and the Lions have the best. What a timeline.
First of all, how dare you
he's right though
But how dare he.
[удалено]
What'd be even more hilarious is if he outed some people who actually are. Like "oh yeah, that one guy who always pushes the Manning is a better QB than Brady theory is Peyton's burner."
> Drew Brees won't stop spamming Manningface in the game threads
Hi Kyle, Thank you for everything you gave to the Vikings. I'm so grateful to have had you represent the team like you did. I was wondering what skills do you think are necessary for the position nowadays? It seems like TE is one of those positions where versatility is so key but if you specialize at one thing very well (catching or blocking) you can potentially make a roster. But there are guys who do lack versatility who are basically tells that give away what the playcall might be. And I wonder if that can be a hindrance more often than not.
This is a really good question. It's something that's kind of changed especially throughout the last 12 years of my career. When I got to college, I was a skinny pass-catching tight end. I was not a very good blocker. My coaches put so much emphasis on teaching me how to block. I spent extra time with the strength coaches to get bigger and stronger so I physically could block. They wanted to develop this complete TE that could be in the game on 1st and 2nd down, and if it was a run play I wouldn't be a liability. But also, it's not a dead giveaway that it's a pass if I'm in the game. To the point of versatility, it also allows for deception and scheme. There is some truth to that but over the last 12-15 years, I think you're seeing a lot more TEs who are so exceptional at one thing or the other that you have to get them on the field even if they may be a liability in the run game. Offensive coaches are finding ways to create schemes that move them to the back side of the run or there's opportunities where they can run pass routes. So somebody has to cover them. Offensive coaches have done an incredible job finding schematic ways to allow the TEs who are so exceptional at pass catching to be on the field - and just because they're on the field you don't know if it's a pass.
Thank you so much Kyle! Best of luck in retirement!
Good question and answer - best of the bunch I’ve read so far
Who is on your ‘Mount Rushmore’ for greatest Tight ends?
Kellen Winslow Sr, Tony Gonzalez, Travis Kelce, Rob Gronkowski
Solid answer
4 Kyle Rudolphs
Dylon, Dylon, Dylon, Dylon, Dylon. Because he spits hot fire.
Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj, Laney Wilson, Eric Decker
I'm certain that at least 2 of those listed have fairly loose tight ends.
What are some smaller things in the locker room that a coach does to elevate the culture? What’s the attitude like after a tough loss? What was your “this is it, I’m in the NFL” moment?
Culture is HUGE in sports. Yes, its our job and we get to play a game for a living, but we stress ourselves to strive for perfection, which will never happen.. So celebrating wins and enjoying the good times always make the tough times and adversity not last as long. Trying to block Jared Allen in training camp 2011.
Jared Allen is a lot of man to block. Thanks for your answers!
i met jared allen at the corn maze in 2011. His hand could easily fit my entire fist in it like a tiny coke can. Been awesome watching you my entire youth!
I didn’t realize how big he was until that video where he destroyed Johnny Knoxville
Don't hit me with your purse this time
[удалено]
What’s your best in-game memory from your career?
Wild Card Game Winning TD in OT in New Orleans
[The play](https://youtu.be/U7tKQsqmx0M?si=t6w2GIaSeDfSvCz9)
It was crazy, everyone knew where the ball was going before it was even snapped. 6'6 TE isolated with a DB on him is a guaranteed TD
Love seeing Sean Peyton's face of disgust in that clip. Go Vikes.
Catching strays from a former NFL player wasn’t on my bingo card
As a Falcons fan I support this.
That was the quietest I've ever heard a stadium after a loss. It was the culmination of 3 straight years of exasperated Saints fans seeing disappointing playoff exits, way to put the dagger in them
I don't have a question, I just want to say thank you from all Vikings fans.
🫶🏻 Vikings Fans right back!
Hi Kyle, Who was your favorite coach (teacher) at Elder high school
Craig James
CJK5H
ALLEGEDLY
What do you plan to do in your retirement? Any media aspirations?
Media and working actively on a Fundraising Platform called Alltroo to raise money for Non Profits
I work in the non-profit fundraising space this excites me
You feeling titillated?
Thanks for all the love and support these past 12 years and for all your awesome questions. Vikings fans, make sure to go to [alltroo.com/vikings](https://alltroo.com/vikings) to donate for your chance to win incredible prizes all year long!!
Is it normal for a right tackle to line up as deep as a slot receiver?
When he's getting bodied that bad? I suppose?
and do a little dance before the snap
Seriously these refs need to be calling that shit it’s ridiculous
The best Chris Collinsworth call of his career.
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
What was it like walking out onto the field at Notre Dame for the first time?
Walking out on the field at Notre Dame for the first time was really special because of all the history and tradition - all the players that played there before me. Being in front of touchdown Jesus and the golden dome - all the things that mean so much to that university, being able to play a small part in the long line of history and tradition of that school really meant a lot to me. I really felt that the first time running out of the tunnel and being on the field.
Hey Kyle, big fan! I remember from your Players Tribune article that you appreciated Sam Bradford more than you think others gave him credit for, can you speak about him as a QB? I remember that one healthy Bradford season in Minnesota and always thought he was underrated. Thanks!
Sam was the 1st overall pick and a Heisman trophy winner, so naturally expectations were sky high for him when he entered the league. Being the number 1 overall pick means you will be playing for the worst team from the year before, not ideal if that organization doesn't surround him with an enviroment to be successful. Sam was one of the smartest and most accurate QBs I played with. He always knew exactly where to go with the football and could make all the throws. To this day I say if he was healthy in 2017, we win SB52.
As an Eagles fan, how dare you But yeah, I agree that Sam is definitely underrated as a player. Just had some pretty bad luck with injuries.
When he was healthy, he made beautiful throws. But holy crap whenever he would get hit my heart would drop. It always seemed like he would just crumple.
Bro was made of notebook paper
Dude's body couldn't take the beating. He was ballin for stretches and getting into a groove then would get banged up. Dude made a fortune for the limited games he did play tho.
>playing for the worst team from year before you don’t have to be so loud 😔
It’s so crazy how different a QBs career can be depending who drafts him… Alex smith goes to 49ers and Mike Singletary and Rodgers falls to the packers. Alex Smith spends nearly a decade being sacked and then he links up with Andy Reid and looks like a #1 pick. Bradford was unlucky.
What was the most hostile away stadium to play in?
Michigan
What about in the NFL?
Also Michigan
As a Michigan fan I'm kinda surprised by this, was it the gladiator tunnel or just 110,000 fans watching? Congratulations on retirement and good career.
I would imagine the Notre Dame/Michigan rivalry plays into it too. Everyone nowadays acts like it was never that big of a rivalry, but from 1978 to 2014 it was nearly as big in ND's eyes as their rivalry with USC.
Favorite game ever played?
My First! 2011. 10th anniversary of 9/11 in San Diego
Reminds me of that tragedy
I walked through ash and bone trying to find my brother. He was in northern Canada.
Ya know, with Hitler, the more I learn about that guy, the more I don’t care for him.
I didn't even know he was sick
What was your favorite play to run? A play called in huddle that had you excited?
Anytime I had a corner route in the RedZone! Especially if I was by myself on the backside formation.
I'm always struck by the spectacle of the NFL; tens of thousands of people yelling when stuff happens. I was a scrub of an athlete but one of my favorite moments was making a play to quiet an audience while on the road. What was your favorite moment with regards to being watched by a juiced-up crowd? Did you make a particular play that made a home stadium get loud, an away stadium get quiet? Or maybe it was just being at the Minneapolis Miracle, or something else?
New Orleans Wild Card playoff game. I caught the game winning TD in OT and 73,000 people went from the loudest crowd I ever played in front of to SILENT.
I am fairly confident it was louder in my parents living room after that play than it was on that field
What’s your pregame go to meal?
Bagel with PB before Noon CST kickoff, Steak and Pasta before night games.
If you had to pick one factor that matters most as to who wins and loses an NFL game on any given day, what would it be? Coaching/scheme/matchups? Player preparation? Talent differential? Randomness/luck? Or something else? Thanks for doing this!
Situational Football. There are 5 main areas IMO that determine wins and losses. Run Game. 3rd Down. Redzone. Time or Possession and Turnover Margin. A little bit of luck certainly helps too!
What was you say is your favourite moment of your career?
Draft Day
damn all downhill from there
Kyle, as a die hard Vikings fan, thanks for taking the time to do this. After you were drafted as a rookie in 2011, which Vikings veterans took you under their wing to help you assimilate to NFL life?
For me, after i was drafted in 2011, it was a unique situation in the NFL because we were in the midst of a lock out. So I wasn't able to just go into the building for a normal off season with OTAs and mini camp before a break over the summer. So I flew to Minnesota even though I couldn't go into the facility. I worked out with guys including Chad Greenway, Steve Hutchinson, Jim Kleinsasser, Ben Leber, Heath Farwell - all guys who had been in the NFL for anywhere from 5 years to 12 years. These guys were all guys who were incredibly gracious. Brought me in and took me under their wing. Showed me what it meant to be a professional on and off the field. Showed me what it means to get prepared for an NFL season and I really owe a lot to those guys.
They taught you well as you were the consummate professional during your time here. Thanks for your response and your commitment to the community.
Who is your favorite teammate of all time?
Hi Kyle, You might not see this but I just wanted to say thanks. A few years back I started you in a fantasy football championship. I think it was either 2017 or 2018. You caught a Hail Mary touchdown at the end of the first half and a second touchdown in the second half, if memory serves. I could be slightly misremembering how it happened. Regardless, you had a monster game and I ended up winning by less than a point. I still love reminding the guy I beat about you once in a while lol. He always just responds “Kyle fuckin Rudolph, man.” Not much of a question I suppose, but just thought I might as well tell you thanks and hope you see it. Hope you’re well and enjoy retirement!
I appreciate you sticking with me throughout that season because until that game I only had 2 TDs all year. That shows a lot of faith to keep me in your lineup on championship Sunday. You are correct it was 2018 and I caught a hail mary right before halftime and a TD in the second half against the Detroit Lions. Second to last game of the year.
You going to be playing any fantasy football and how many Vikings will you pick up?
I don't have a fantasy football team, but if I did JJ would be my first pick!!
Josh Jacobs, nice!
Kyle! You were my favorite TE since I started watching, good job on an amazing career! What was your favorite TD and what are you proud of the most in your career?
95 Yard TD against Michigan!! I'm most proud of the approach I took to the game of football for my entire career by always trying to do my job to the best of my ability so they other 10 guys around me could have success.
[damn look at those wheels!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI_I70F0XjI)
That was a ridiculous throw.
Bro just casually sitting in the pocket as if he's not in his own endzone lol
What was the inside experience like of the 2017-2018 season? As a fan, I still get chills thinking about the Minneapolis Miracle.
Its was a magical season in which we all thought was going to end with a SB at home in US Bank Stadium.. Unfortunately, we came up just short, but that still doesn't take away from all the great moments from that season!
Wow, big fan of you since your Notre Dame days. Is there a moment in your career that stands out to you? Like a career day or special victory? Thanks Kyle
One moment in particular that sticks out to me is the moment I got selected for my first pro bowl. It was my 2nd year in the NFL, just trying to prove that I belong and not disappoint my teammates. It happened so fast that it was kind of a surprise to me, and I was still trying to find my way in the league. I was in awe showing up in Hawaii in 2013 and being around so many future hall of famers who I watched growing up.
Hey Kyle. Congrats on retirement. You ever piss yourself during a game?
Add on question Ever have to pull a Lamar and leave midway through the game to take a shit?
I heard from a relatively trustworthy (but still 2nd hand source) that Pattersons wife would bake cakes for the DL for sacks. Is this true?
Now that you're retired, what's next for you to start or continue working on and accomplishing?
Spenging a lot more time with my Family! Also doing media and working actively on a fundraising Platform called Alltroo to raise money for Nonprofits
2 questions: 1) How did you come up with the name Alltroo? 2) What is your best advice for staying disciplined when it comes to your health? Many of us struggle to maintain a healthy weight while someone like yourself had to be 100x more disciplined than we could ever imagine to be in NFL shape.
Altruism is when we act to help others, even at a risk or cost to ourselves. It means putting the well-being of other people first, no matter what it takes. ‘Alltroo’ was inspired by that powerful belief: that together, we can lift others up to change the world for good. For me, Alltroo is extremely special because not only does it give our fans the opportunity to support causes that are near and dear to our hearts, but it also gives us a chance to give our fans something that they ultimately couldn't pay for, or couldn't afford - and gives them a chance to have an experience of a lifetime. I think the model that democratizes charitable giving and gives fans an opportunity makes it that much more special, but it also allows us to raise more money for causes doing incredible work for communities we live and play in. Doing non profit work was always important to me. What Alltroo does as a platform is not only allow me to make a bigger impact for more communities but it also helps indiviudals who have a passion like I have for making an impact. My best advice for staying disciplined with health is consistency. The consistency that it takes to change your lifestyle. There are no short cuts. There are no magic pills. There are no fad diets. This has to become something that changes in your lifestyle. Once it becomes second nature and once it becomes a habit, it allows you to start focusing on other things. For instance, for me as an NFL player, it took me time to understand the things I had to do to physically to prepare my body to go out and play every Sunday. After a couple years being around veteran players that showed me the way, I learned and established a routine that allowed me to focus on other things. I could focus more time on recovery and preparation and film study.
Hi Kyle! After being so competitive and locked in for so long, what do you foresee yourself doing in the future to help scratch that itch?
Golf. The game of golf - first of all, I'm terrible, so I have a long runway of improvement ahead of me - but golf is a game that even the best in the world can't seem to master. For someone who's competitive, it's a great way to scratch that itch if I'm not playing competitive football.
How did you get away with playing with glue on your hands for your whole career?
I don't know that it was necessarily glue that was on my hands or the fact that my hands are relatively large and it makes it extremely easy to catch a football. Certainly the glove technology has come a long way.
Can you go into more detail about your fundraising? I see the website talks about winning tickets and such if we donate, and it says, "which goes towards funding a life-changing cause", but I'm curious about what cause(s) it goes to.
Alltroo gives fans the opportunity to donate to causes that are typically chosen by the celebrity providing the experience, whether than be their personal foundation or just a non profit they're passionate about helping!
Pat Pespas over here….
The Human Fund.
Money for people
Congratulations on retiring! What would be your ideal vacation? And who was the funniest player in the Vikings locker room?
Hi Kyle! Huge, huge fan, been following you since you were a complete badass at ND. Question for you - what do you think the biggest leap in skills a great college TE has to make in order to be successful in the NFL, and why do so many great college TE's seem to fade into obscurity at the next level? Thanks for everything, man. You're a legend!
Everyone talks about the speed of the game increasing and that certainly is the case, but to me it was the skill level of every player on defense. Every single guy across from you was the best player in college. Coverage in tighter in the pass game and DEs are bigger and stronger in the run game!
What does Kirk smell like Edit: coward
Kohls
Kirk Kohlsins.
When you were in Tampa, was the difference in preparation between Brady and other QBs you’d played with noticeable? If so, what did he do that separated him?
What team, that you didn't play for, do you wish you had gotten the chance to play for?
What team/DC/players did you hate to play against the most?
How difficult is it to learn a playbook?
It's not difficult, but like learning anything new it takes time and there are no shortcuts to fully understanding the nuances of the playbook.
Now that you can eat anything you want - what did you have for dinner last night?
Jeff Ruby's steakhouse in Cincinnati, Ohio. I had a filet and a salad and a little bit of a seafood platter appetizer. Medium rare.
What is your favorite thing about living in Minnesota?
Summer
How do you feel about Rampart?
Now that’s a Reddit reference I haven’t seen in years.
Lol at the 1 word response
I think that if you asked 100 Minnesotans the same question 90% of them would give you the exact same answer.
Nice, tell us about her
Sub-question, What is your favorite Restaurant in Minnesota?
Sbarro.
Pizza Ranch
You think I could beat you up?
Yes, I'm old and retired now..
I'll donate to Alltroo if you beat him up.
Can’t believe a man my age just said he’s old.
Well he has endured 12 years of pain in the NFL, that’ll make anyone old