“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank God, University of Tennessee, and the Minnesota Vikings organization for the opportunity to live out my dream as an elite football player,” Richardson posted on Twitter. “Second I’d like to thank my close ones for supporting me through this time. My love and passion for this game is infinite, but I understand that football careers don’t last long and unfortunately mine has ended due to injury. I can truly say I left it all on the field. I am forever thankful for my opportunities and I look forward to life after football.”
Along with the letter, he tweeted, “Wanted to take this time to send a letter and thank everyone for the love over the years! It’s been a great ride!”
Richardson played for the Vols from 2011-13. He appeared in 36 games during his career, starting every game (24 straight) during his sophomore and junior seasons at left tackle, despite having knee surgery following the 2012 season which kept him out of spring practice.
Listed at 6-foot-6 and weighing 300 pounds, Richardson passed on his senior season at Tennessee and declared for the NFL Draft. He was projected to be as high as a second-round pick, but went undrafted and later signed with the Vikings as a free agent.
He didn’t regret his decision.
“It was one of those things where the issues were going to go on, either way,” Richardson said last year. “I wanted to go ahead and leave where I could get the best doctors and the best medical treatment and I was able to do that. I’ve been out here. I haven’t had any issues. I’ve been moving really well and I’m looking forward to competing.”
Richardson was sidelined during the 2014 NFL season after two knee surgeries.
Forum discussion: Tiny retiring from football.