Vikings tight end John Carlson’s latest concussion has ended his season. It may also end his career.
The Vikings announced today that Carlson has been placed on injured reserve and will not play in the final two games of 2013. What is unclear now is whether the 29-year-old Carlson has a future in the NFL at all.
Carlson told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune this week that he needs to confer with his family this offseason to determine whether it makes sense for him to keep playing football. Carlson declined to say exactly how many concussions he has suffered since he started playing football, but he has had at least three since 2011.
“That’s something that my wife and I will consider,” he said. “After every season it’s an evaluation period because of the nature of our business. Players move around, players get cut, coaches get fired, things happen. So in that sense, every year is an evaluation period and this year will be no different. And the concussion part of it will be in that conversation.”
Carlson said he needs to think not only about his own desire to play football but also about his responsibilities to his family.
“We have two kids and a third one on the way,” he said. “I’m taking steps to mitigate the risks. [But] there are risks to playing football.”
A second-round draft pick of the Seahawks in 2008, Carlson signed a five-year, $25 million contract with the Vikings in 2012.