Eden Prairie, MN (July 25, 2016) – The Minnesota Vikings have placed T Phil Loadholt on the Reserve/Retired List after being informed of his decision to retire from the NFL.
Loadholt played 7 seasons for the Vikings after being selected in the 2nd round (54th overall) in the 2009 NFL Draft. As a rookie, Loadholt started 15 regular season games and both playoff contests, helping the Vikings reach the NFC Championship Game and earning All-Rookie honors.
The Fountain, CO native started all 89 games he played in for the Vikings ranking him 9th in club history for career starts by an OT. Loadholt was the Vikings recipient for the Ed Block Courage Award for 2015 after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury during the preseason.
“I first want to thank the Wilf Family for the wonderful opportunity they gave me seven years ago. There’s a lot of people to thank – Rick Spielman, Rob Brzezinski, George Paton, Scott Studwell and all the personnel people. My head coaches – Brad Childress, Leslie Frazier and Mike Zimmer. My position coaches – Pat Morris, Jim Hueber, Jeff Davidson and Tony Sparano. The entire Vikings support staff and most important – the Vikings fans and my teammates. This chapter in my life is closing and I look forward to seeing what the next one brings. I’ll always love this game and the opportunity to do something I dreamed about since I was seven years old. But, my body is telling me it’s time to hang up my cleats.” – Phil Loadholt
“Phil means a lot to this team and the community. He was a big part of the success we had on the field in his time here and we always knew he came prepared and played hard every week. Phil was one of our core guys, a cornerstone for this team, and embodied the principles that we have been building here. He did things the right way, spent his whole career with us and proudly represented the Vikings. We thank Phil for what he’s done for the franchise and wish him the best in the future.” – Rick Spielman, General Manager
“When you think of the Vikings you think of players like Phil Loadholt. He carried himself as a professional and gave his all for his teammates. Phil will be a Viking for life. He was a great player and a better person. We wish him and his family all the best.” – Mark Wilf, Owner/President
PLACED ON RESERVE/RETIRED LIST:
PLAYER POS. EXP. COLLEGE
Phil Loadholt………………….. T…………… 7…………………….. Oklahoma
MOST CAREER STARTS AMONG OTs IN VIKINGS HISTORY
1) Tim Irwin (1981-93) 181
2) Ron Yary (1968-81) 180
3) Grady Alderman (1961-74) 178
4) Bryant McKinnie (2002-10) 131
5) Steve Riley (1974-84) 128
6) Todd Steussie (1994-2000) 111
7) Gary Zimmerman (1986-92) 108
8) Korey Stringer (1995-2000) 91
9) Phil Loadholt (2009-15) 89
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