WR Adam Thielen retires: 'What a ride it has been!'

Field Level Media
14 Jan 2026, 23:35 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images)

Two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Adam Thielen announced his retirement Wednesday after 12 NFL seasons.

Thielen, 35, spent the majority of his career with the Minnesota Vikings. He enjoyed a second stint with the club in 2025 after two seasons with the Carolina Panthers before joining the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 2.

Thielen's season officially came to an end on Monday after the Steelers dropped a 30-6 decision to the Houston Texans in an AFC wild-card game.

'What a ride it has been!' Thielen wrote on Instagram. '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!'

Thielen became a Steeler one day after being granted his request by the Vikings to be waived to pursue more playing time in his final NFL season.

He finished with 19 catches for 186 yards in 16 games (seven starts) this season with Minnesota and Pittsburgh.

Thielen played collegiately at Minnesota State before signing with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He was released by the Vikings to save salary cap space in March 2023 and signed a three-year, $25 million deal with the Panthers. Carolina traded him to Minnesota on Aug. 27.

Thielen made his NFL debut in 2014 and totaled 704 receptions for 8,497 yards and 64 touchdowns in 178 regular-season games (135 starts).

--Field Level Media

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