Despite not being a current member of the Minnesota Vikings, many fans of the purple and gold have a soft spot in their hearts for Adam Thielen. Considering his contributions to the team and great story, it's easy to understand his appeal.
Adam Thielen was signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2013 and worked his way from the practice squad to earning a spot as a starting wide receiver, earning two Pro Bowl nods and an All-Pro Second Team honor.
Sadly, Thielen left Minnesota after the 2022 NFL season to join the Carolina Panthers. He has played two seasons in the NFC South, but there is a chance that his NFL career could end before he plays a third.
Adam Thielen retiring before the 2025 NFL season is apparently a possibility
Coming off his lowest yardage output since 2019, Thielen will turn 35 years old this year. Interestingly, the wide receiver was asked about his future by DaShawn Brown of WSOC-Charlotte and didn't sound confident about returning to the league next year.
Brown shared a video of the conversation with Thielen about a possible retirement to X.
#Panthers WR Adam Thielen said yes..
— DaShawn Brown (@DaShawnWSOC9) January 6, 2025
He is absolutely contemplating retirement.
He says this is not* unique to this season, and likely started after Year 10. Here’s more: pic.twitter.com/ASaXQVHoVe
Adam Thielen seems to have the same mindset he had as an undrafted free agent. He knows that nothing is assured in the NFL and the future can be highly unpredictable. However, he's no longer a unproven asset and should be able to return to the league if he wants to.
There will likely be a place in the Vikings Ring of Honor for Adam Thielen upon his retirement. His 6,682 receiving yards in Minnesota is enough for fifth all time and his 55 receiving touchdowns is good for third all time, behind only Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrines Randy Moss and Cris Carter.
Thielen is still under contract with the Panthers through the 2025 season. He is set to have a salary cap hit of approximately $8.4 million but there is an out in his deal that could be exercised this year to limit his cost if he doesn't play for Carolina next season. That decision will likely be made by the third day of the new league year when a $1.5 million roster bonus would be triggered.
Keep an eye out for news involving a possible retirement for former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen this offseason. It wouldn't be shocking to see him return home to Detroit Lakes to focus on life after football.