Minnesota Vikings legend makes crucial decision about his future in the NFL

Adam Thielen has called it an NFL career after 13 seasons, most of which came with the Minnesota Vikings.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) enters the field before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen has decided to retire after 13 seasons in the NFL. He took to his Instagram story to announce the decision.

“What a ride it has been!” Thielen’s story said. “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!”

Former Minnesota Vikings WR Adam Thielen retires after 13 seasons

By now, everyone knows the story. He was on a $500 scholarship at the University of Minnesota-Mankato. Thielen attended a regional combine ahead of the 2013 NFL Draft. He made such a strong impression that the Vikings invited him to rookie minicamp as a non-roster invitee. They signed him quickly after rookie minicamp, and he was on the practice squad as a rookie.

In 2014, Thielen made an impression on special teams before becoming a regular wide receiver in 2016, where he started 10 games, catching 69 passes for 967 yards and five touchdowns. It was in 2017 that Thielen made the jump into superstardom, with back-to-back Pro Bowl and 1,000-yard seasons. He even notched second-team All-Pro honors in 2017.

Thielen was a mainstay with the Vikings across his first 10 seasons, including starting 102 games at wide receiver. Due to salary cap concerns, the Vikings moved on from Thielen after the 2022 season, where he played with the Carolina Panthers, and was successful with Bryce Young.

Carolina traded him back to the Vikings ahead of the season, and his return wasn’t what many had hoped it would be. He eventually asked for his release and finished the season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing his final game on Monday night.

Adam Thielen leaves behind a fantastic legacy

Every team has players who leave behind a legacy of both success and hard work. Thielen epitomizes that, along with being a hometown legend. Minnesotans love their own, and Thielen was one of their favorites. He will be immortalized in the Vikings Ring of Honor sooner rather than later.

Congratulations on a good career, Thielen. Enjoy retirement.

Related Articles