Adam Thielen announced his retirement as planned on Wednesday. The 35-year-old wide receiver enjoyed a 12-season NFL career, playing for the Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers.
An undrafted player coming out of the University of Minnesota in 2013, Thielen signed a contract with the Vikings’ practice squad and, a season later, made the 53-man roster.
From 2016 to 2022, Thielen averaged nearly 1,000 yards and 7.7 touchdowns per season with the Vikings. He was selected to the Pro Bowl twice during that span, and was named to the All-Pro second team in 2017. Although his yardage totals declined late in the season, Thielen made up for it with his dominance in the end zone, scoring 14 touchdowns in 15 games in 2020 and 10 in 2021, despite playing only 13 games.
Following the 2022 season, Thielen signed a three-year contract with the Panthers. He had over 1,000 passing yards in his first season with the team.
In August, Thielen returned to Minnesota after a trade. His role in that second stint was limited, and after requesting a trade, the Vikings placed him on waivers in early December, allowing the Steelers to sign him after the receiver announced it would be his final season.
Thielen’s last game in the NFL took place on Monday during the Steelers’ defeat against the Houston Texans. He caught two passes for a gain of 25 yards.
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