It can be hard to say goodbye to a player who means a lot to an NFL franchise. For Minnesota Vikings fans, there are a few names of players who come to mind that embody what the purple and gold stand for.
One of those individuals is wide receiver Adam Thielen. Fans around the world were heartbroken when the Vikings pass catcher was released before the 2024 season and signed with the Carolina Panthers.
When Minnesota traded for Thielen before the 2025 NFL season, spirits were high. Reuniting with a player who not only spent a lot of time with the Vikings but also embodied so much of what the franchise means was beautiful.
Sadly, that reunion was fairly short-lived. After a mostly ineffective season, Thielen was inactive against the Seahawks and was then waived. He ended up joining the Pittsburgh Steelers for the remainder of the year.
Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen shared his feelings on leaving the team for the Steelers this season.
Minnesota is a lot more than just where Adam Thielen played professional football for a decade. It is his home. A Detroit Lakes, Minnesota native who attended college at Minnesota State, the six-foot-two wide receiver had to work extremely hard to earn his way onto a football field in college and as a professional.
Leaving the Land of 10,000 Lakes had to be hard for Thielen. This was his home for a long time and will always hold a special place in his heart. However,
ESPN Steelers reporter Brooke Pryor shared Thielen's comments in a post on X on Saturday. Here is what he said about leaving Minnesota.
“Extremely tough. It really wore on me mentally … just excited to have an opportunity. I'm very thankful for this organization, the people in the locker room.”
Adam Thielen has already stated that he intends to retire at the end of the 2025 NFL season. When that happens, it wouldn't be surprising to see him sign a one-day contract with the purple and gold to retire as a member of the Minnesota Vikings.
While it will be strange to watch a fan favorite like Adam Thielen catch passes from Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh, hopefully, the veteran pass-catcher can fulfill as much as possible before being embraced in Minnesota once again. Most Vikings fans will welcome him back with huge smiles and open arms when that day comes.