Kyle Rudolph

Kyle Rudolph (born November 9, 1989) is an American football tight end for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). Rudolph played college football for the University of Notre Dame, and was chosen by the Vikings in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He was selected for the Pro Bowl following the 2012 NFL season.

Early years
Rudolph attended Elder High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a senior in 2008 he was a USA Today All-American after he had 37 receptions for 673 total yards and 11 touchdowns. Rudolph was rated the best tight end and 20th best overall recruit in 2008 according to Rivals.com. Rudolph participated in the 2008 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas. He accepted a scholarship from Notre Dame over Michigan, Tennessee, and Ohio State.

College career
As a freshman in 2008, Rudolph became the first tight end in Notre Dame history to start every game as a freshman. He ended the season with 29 receptions for 340 yards and two touchdowns. As a sophomore in 2009 he played in only nine games, missing three due to a shoulder injury. He finished the season with 33 receptions for 364 yards and three touchdowns. As a junior in 2010, he played in only six games due to a hamstring injury. He finished the season with 28 receptions for 328 yards and three touchdowns. On January 4, 2011, he declared for the 2011 NFL Draft.

NFL Draft
The Minnesota Vikings selected Rudolph as the 43rd overall pick in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Minnesota Vikings
During his rookie season, Rudolph caught 26 passes for 249 yards with a 9.6 yard average per reception and three receiving touchdowns.

In 2012 Rudolph had, in many ways, a breakout year. He was targeted 93 times and tallied 53 receptions averaging 9.3 yards per reception. Rudolph finished the year with 493 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Rudolph was selected for his first pro-bowl in his career at the conclusion of the season as a replacement for Tony Gonzalez. In the Pro Bowl game he caught a 3-yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning on the last play of the first half, and was named MVP of the game.