MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings defensive end Kenechi Udeze has decided to retire, ending a remarkable comeback from leukemia.

The Vikings announced Thursday that Udeze has been placed on the reserve/retired list. Minnesota’s first-round draft pick in 2004, Udeze was a starter for four years and tied for the team lead with five sacks in 2007.
He was diagnosed in February 2008 with the disease, which is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Udeze spent last season on the reserve/non-football-illness list while dealing with his condition.
After a marrow transplant more than a year ago, Udeze was on the field for practices throughout this spring and summer. He said at minicamp in May he was “feeling pretty good” but acknowledged the challenge of the comeback.