Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsThursday, June 25, 2026

John Carlson ponders NFL future after latest concussion

Carlson suffered his third concussion in the last three years in the Vikings’ loss to the Ravens.

Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

After suffering his third concussion in three years, Vikings' tight end John Carlson says he will consider his future in the NFL, telling the Star Tribune that he will use the offseason to think about his professional football career and the long-term health hazards he is risking:

“That’s something that my wife and I will conside. 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, 29, suffered his most recent concussion two weeks ago, during Minnesota's loss to Baltimore. He missed the following game against the Eagles after failing to pass the NFL's concussion protocol, and will miss the remainder of the season with the injury.

A former second round pick out of Notre Dame, Carlson has caught 32 passes for 344 yards this season. These were his highest totals since 2009 with the Seahawks.

More from SB Nation NFL

Take a peek at a $100,000 fantasy football lineup (Sponsored)

Swing game: Short passes & speedy players are changing the NFL

NFL mock draft: Can Teddy Bridgewater save the Texans?

PFT Commenter’s Christmas wish list | Uffsides: BOLD Week 16 previews

Death of a football player: Helmet-to-helmet hit killed Derek Sheely

See More:

More in NFL

From SBNationExternal Link
Who wins the AFC South this season?Who wins the AFC South this season?
From SBNationExternal Link
By Mark Schofield
NFL
Brendan Sorsby stuck as NFL announces NO Supplemental Draft in 2026Brendan Sorsby stuck as NFL announces NO Supplemental Draft in 2026
NFL

Another setback for the QB.

By James Dator
NFL
WNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in FriscoWNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in Frisco
NFL

The Women’s National Football Conference Championship will air on ESPN2 this weekend.

By RJ Ochoa
NFL
Best bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the YearBest bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
NFL

There are some good longer-shot options on offensive side of ball for the NFL’s Rookie of the Year.

By Bill Williamson
NFL
Brendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go inBrendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go in
NFL

This is a no-brainer for some NFL teams.

By James Dator
NFL
Fernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before himFernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before him
NFL

Fernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before him

By RJ Ochoa