Pro Bowl Wide Receiver Is Officially Retiring From The NFL

Adam Thielen announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday. The 35-year-old wide receiver is hanging up his cleats for good.

He spent 12 years in the NFL, playing for the Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. The longtime former Vikings wide receiver, who was cut by the team last month, announced his retirement on Instagram.

This doesn’t come as a big surprise, as Thielen had been open that the 2025 season would be his last.

Veteran WR Adam Thielen has officially retired from the NFL after 13 seasons.

The former undrafted free agent finishes his career with 704 catches for 8,497 yards and 64 TDs. He was named to 2 Pro Bowls and holds an NFL record for the most consecutive 100-yard receiving games,… pic.twitter.com/6dFFdat59v

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 14, 2026

Last month, the team released him at his request. The team said Thielen approached them about wanting to finish out his NFL career in a competitive situation. Minnesota decided to grant that wish, as it had no chance of doing anything in 2025.

Adam Thielen would go on to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers to finish out his season. A missed field goal by the Ravens extended his career by one more game into the playoffs. Thielen caught 11 passes for 117 yards during his short time with the Steelers.

Adam Thielen Is A certified Hall of Famer

Longtime former Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen has officially decided to call it a career.

“What a ride it has been!” Thielen posted on his story. “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!”

Adam Thielen officially announces his retirement via Instagram pic.twitter.com/4gO9bgrclw

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) January 14, 2026

Thielen’s final game came in the Steelers’ blowout loss to the Texans in the wild card round on Monday night.

He is not only a Vikings legend, but he is also one of the all-time great underdog success stories. His career began with the Vikings as a tryout player during the rookie minicamp. Hard work got him from the practice squad to a special teams role. He eventually received a starting role as a wide receiver in his fourth season.

Adam Thielen had 1,276 receiving yards in 2017. He then backed that up with 113 catches for 1,373 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2018. That season started off with him recording eight consecutive 100-yard games.