Adam Thielen, a Minnesota Vikings legend, has officially announced his retirement.
The announcement came on Wednesday, two days after the Pittsburgh Steelers were eliminated from the 2026 NFL Playoffs. Their exodus came at the hands of the Houston Texans, receiving a 30-6 whooping at Acrisure Stadium.
This was expected to happen soon, seeing as Adam Thielen is 35-years-old. At the time of his retirement, he was the eldest receiver in the NFL. Had he come back for one more year in 2026, he would’ve played the entire year at 36.
Vikings Legend Adam Thielen Calls it a Career
GettyBALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 07: Adam Thielen #16 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a catch against Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Adam Thielen had an impressive career, given he was an undrafted free agent in 2013.
- 8,497 receiving yards
- 704 receptions
- 64 touchdowns
- 435 first downs
- 178 games appeared in
Everyone knows the story behind Adam Thielen. He grew up in Minnesota, went to Mankato State, and paid $250 to attend an NFL regional combine. He met with the Panthers and Vikings before the draft, ultimately deciding on his hometown team after going undrafted.
Thielen broke out for the Vikings in 2016, going for 967 yards and 5 touchdowns. In the two years previous, he only combined for a total of 281 yards and 1 touchdown.
He went on to have back-to-back years of 1,200+ yards in 2017 and 2018, becoming arguably the league’s best WR2 to Stefon Diggs’ Wr1 role.
Adam Thielen’s Professional Journey
GettyGREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 23: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on November 23, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
The Detroit Lakes, MN native played for the Vikings twice. He was on the roster from 2013 to 2022. His first departure came on mutual terms when the two sides couldn’t come together on an agreement on a pay reduction. Thielen walked to free agency in the 2023 off-season, and joined the Carolina Panthers.
Thielen appeared in 27 games over two seasons with Carolina. He totaled 1,014 yards and 4 touchdowns in year 1. His second year saw injuries mount up, causing him to miss 7 games. He would notch just 615 yards and 5 touchdowns in that year, 2024.
Heading into the 2025 season, the Vikings decided it was time for a reunion. Minnesota sent a 2026 fourth round pick and a 2027 fifth round pick to Carolina. The exchange saw the Vikings receive Adam Thielen, a conditional 2026 seventh round pick, and a 2027 conditional fifth round pick.
Thielen never truly caught back on in Minnesota, having a WR4 role behind Jefferson, Addison, and Nailor.
In 11 games, Thielen only produced 8 catches on 18 targets for 69 yards. His age and low-usage rate led him to ask for his release from the Vikings, which they granted him after Week 13. Thielen was claimed off of waivers by the Steelers.
Pittsburgh was able to give Thielen more looks, and in 5 games, he had 11 catches for 17 targets for 117 yards. He did not score a single touchdown with either team in the 2025 season.
Vikings Legend Officially Announces Retirement