Former Notre Dame TE John Carlson retires from NFL

Published May. 7, 2015 9:18 a.m. ET

foxsports

Notre Dame's contingent of tight ends in the NFL has shrunk by one, as the Arizona Cardinals have announced the retirement of John Carlson.

Carlson was a team captain and a productive pass-catcher for the Fighting Irish under head coach Charlie Weis. The Seattle Seahawks selected him in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft (38th overall), setting the stage for a tremendous first two seasons as a professional.

Carlson's production was fizzling out by the time he landed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2012. Last season was his only one in Arizona, as the tight end's career concluded with 210 receptions, 2,256 yards and 15 touchdowns.

"After much thought and consideration, my wife Danielle and I know that this is the best decision for us," Carlson said, per the Cardinals' official website. "I was blessed to play seven seasons in the NFL for three tremendous organizations—the Cardinals, Vikings and Seahawks. I will always treasure the experiences and relationships made during that time but I'm also very excited about the next phase of my life and what's ahead."

(h/t Inside The Irish)

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports