Kyle Rudolph hasn’t worn a Minnesota Vikings jersey on a football field in well over a year, but there have been moments over the last week that make it feel like he never left.
It’s no surprise considering he played 10 seasons with the Vikings before being released and signing with the New York Giants in 2021. His first venture outside of Minnesota didn’t go as planned with him only hauling in 26 receptions for 257 yards and one touchdown for a team that was already struggling.
But even when things don’t go as planned, there has always been infinite love and admiration for Rudolph back home, where fans eat, sleep and breathe Vikings football.
At a concert held at U.S. Bank Stadium, country music star Morgan Wallen came out wearing a signed Rudolph jersey during his performance.
The crowd went wild the moment he stepped onto the stage.
We all know how that place rocks on Sundays and @MorganWallen made sure tonight was no different!! https://t.co/crBA1fkQBR
— Kyle Rudolph (@KyleRudolph) June 12, 2022
The Rudolph party didn’t stop there, either.
He also made an appearance in Minneapolis last Friday night on WWE SmackDown, where he caught up with fans and WWE commentator/NFL analyst Pat McAfee
Kyle Rudolph and Pat McAfee for tag champs. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/fqyx97BaUJ
— Patrick Goldenrod (@PatGoldenrod) June 18, 2022
To: Dear @KyleRudolph it’s clear to me that we need you back in town again! 🏈
cc: The @PatMcAfeeShow
bcc: Minnesota @Vikings #Skol pic.twitter.com/orAi4xFjE5— Dave Wenthold (@Wenthold) June 18, 2022
I know what you’re thinking.
Rudolph is still a free agent, and the Vikings could use a veteran body to act as an insurance policy for Irv Smith Jr., who is returning from a season-ending knee injury.
The Vikings are probably set right now with Johnny Mundt as their No. 2 option at tight end. They also invested a seventh-round draft pick in rookie Nick Muse to go along with Zach Davidson and Ben Ellefson. So there likely wouldn’t be any immediate need to sign Rudolph to a deal. But they may want to keep him on speed-dial just in case the injury gods frown on them for a second straight season.
At some point, when Rudolph makes the decision to hang up his cleats, he should be given an opportunity to retire a Viking. The 32-year-old tight end gave everything he had to the organization, and the fans loved him for doing it. They still love him to this very day.
That alone speaks volumes.
