Adam Thielen, longtime NFL wide receiver, announces retirement after 12 seasons
Adam Thielen announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday. The 35-year-old wide receiver spent 12 years in the league and played for the Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers.
What a ride it has been!" Thielen wrote in a social media post. 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!"
Veteran NFL receiver Adam Thielen announces his retirement. pic.twitter.com/AgVsKHXJJ2
- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 14, 2026
After going undrafted out of Minnesota State in 2013, Thielen signed a practice squad deal with the Vikings and a season later ended up grabbing a spot on the team's 53-man roster.
From 2016-2022, Thielen averaged nearly 1,000 yards and 7.7 touchdowns per season with the Vikings. He made two Pro Bowls over that period, earning a second team All-Pro nod in 2017. Though his yardage totals dropped at the back end of that stretch, Thielen made up for it with his end-zone dominance. He caught 14 touchdowns in 15 games in 2020 and 10 in 2021 despite playing in only 13 games.
Following the 2022 NFL season, Thielen joined the Panthers on a three-year deal. He gained over 1,000 receiving yards in his first season with team.
In August, Thielen returned to Minnesota via trade. His role in his second stint was a limited one, and after seeking to be moved the Vikings placed him on waivers in early December, allowing the Steelers to pick him after the receiver announced this would be his final season.
Thielen's final NFL game came Monday night during the Steelers' wild-card round defeat to the Houston Texans, where he caught two passes for 25 yards.