IRISH IN THE PROS
BY ANDREW OWENS
I
njuries have been a frequent occur-
rence for former Irish tight end Kyle
Rudolph, beginning with his final season
at Notre Dame.
In 2010, Rudolph's last year in South
Bend, the junior was limited to six games
and was largely ineffective after the first
three due to a severe hamstring injury
that required surgery.
Remarkably, he was able to outrun the
Michigan defense on a 95-yard touch-
down reception — with the hamstring
injury — that temporarily put the Irish
ahead before the Wolverines ultimately
finished on top, 28-24.
After missing just one game in his first
two NFL seasons, Rudolph was absent
for 15 contests the past two years due to
injury. He's healthy now and hopes he
can be part of a Minnesota Vikings' run
to the playoffs. Part of that success will
depend on offensive coordinator Norv
Turner, whose attacks have been kind to
tight ends.
Rudolph, in the second season of a
five-year, $36.5 million contract, caught
Kyle Rudolph Has High Expectations
Rudolph, who has been hampered by injuries the past two seasons, had five receptions for 53 yards in
Minnesota's season-opening 20-3 loss at San Francisco Sept. 14.
PHOTO COURTESY MINNESOTA VIKINGS
