After a successful 13-year career, Adam Thielen is ready to hang up his cleats.
The veteran wide receiver announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday.
“What a ride it has been! 13 years and what a blessing,” the 35-year-old said in an Instagram story. “Have been blessed with so many 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 began his career with the Minnesota Vikings in 2013, where he was signed as an undrafted free agent and spent his first season as a practice-squad player.
He spent his first nine seasons with the Vikings, where he produced two 1,200-plus-yard seasons to go along with two Pro Bowl selections in 2017 and 2018.
In 2023, the Minnesota native signed a three-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, before requesting a trade following the 2024 season. He was then traded back to Minnesota for a second stint with the team.
Once again, Thielen requested to be waived by the Vikings in December as he expressed his desire to play a larger role near the end of his career.
He was claimed off the waivers, and ended his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers following the team’s 30-6 wild-card loss to the Houston Texans on Monday night.
In 176 career games, Thielen recorded 704 reception for 8497 yards and 64 touchdowns.
He had 19 receptions for 186 yards on the season.
