In the undrafted free agent signing frenzy that followed the 2014 NFL Draft, one of the bigger names that landed with the Minnesota Vikings Tennessee offensive tackle Antonio Richardson. . .you can call him "Tiny." A two-time second-team All-SEC player at offensive tackle, all 6'6" and 335 pounds of Richardson fell out of the NFL Draft entirely and found his way to Minnesota. He eventually went on injured reserve during the preseason, having to have surgery on both of his knees.

The Vikings released Richardson in the days leading up to their first 2015 rookie mini-camp, and today the news has come down that Richardson has announced his retirement from the National Football League. Richardson released a statement that reads as follows:

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. 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!

It's a shame that Richardson's issues with his knees have put an early end to his career. He obviously had a lot of ability, but he's decided that the time has come to call it quits.

Best of luck to Antonio "Tiny" Richardson going forward on whatever path he might choose.