Veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen officially announced his retirement from professional football on Wednesday, bringing an end to his 12-season career in the NFL that began as an undrafted college receiver to a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the most productive wideouts in Minnesota Vikings history.
The 35-year-old shared the news on social media, reflecting on his career by writing, “What a ride it has been! 13 years what a blessing! Have been blessed with so many great relationships and mentors over the years that I am forever grateful for! Thank you to everyone who has supported me through the years it has meant everything to my family and I 
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Thielen’s final season was split between the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers. Thielen had previously indicated that the 2025 season would be his last, with his announcement coming shortly after the Vikings placed him on waivers on Dec. 1, a move that allowed him to finish his career elsewhere. The Steelers claimed him the following day, and he went on to appear in five games, including three starts, for Pittsburgh. He totaled 11 catches for 117 yards with the Steelers,, including two catches for 25 yards in Monday night’s 30-6 wild-card playoff loss to the Houston Texans, which marked the final game of his career.
A native of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Thielen played college football at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Despite his production, he went undrafted in 2013 and did not receive an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine. He signed with the Vikings as a practice squad player and slowly worked his way into the lineup, making his NFL debut in 2014 before earning a consistent role two seasons later in 2016.
That year, Thielen recorded 69 receptions for 967 yards and five touchdowns, setting the stage for consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He earned back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in 2017 and 2018, along with receiving totals of 1,276 and 1,373 yards. From 2016-2022, Thielen averaged nearly 1,000 receiving yards per season and became a consistent scoring threat, including 14 touchdown catches in 2020 and 10 more in 2021 despite missing games.
Minnesota released Thielen after the 2022, at which point he signed with the Carolina Panthers in 2023 and delivered his third 1,000-yard campaign, hauling in 103 passes for 1,014 yards. He was traded back to the Vikings in August but played a reduced role during his second stint before requesting a move late in the season. When the Vikings waived him, Thielen made his enduring connection to the organization clear, stating, “I will ALWAYS be a Minnesota Viking.”
Thielen finishes his career with 704 receptions for 8,497 yards and 64 touchdowns. His 542 catches with Minnesota rank fourth in franchise history, trailing only Cris Carter, Randy Moss and Jefferson. Carter and Moss are both members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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