A beloved name in Minnesota Vikings history is beginning to hint that the end of an incredible NFL journey may be near.
Adam Thielen, the legendary wide receiver who spent a full decade electrifying fans in purple and gold, has opened up about his future — and it sounds like 2025 might be the final chapter.
Now playing with the Carolina Panthers, Thielen addressed reporters on Friday and didn’t shy away from the retirement conversation. When asked if this could be his last season in the NFL, he replied candidly: “It could be, yeah.”
The 34-year-old veteran shared that his decision to keep playing this year was a family-influenced one. “I talked to my family and they wanted me to play this season,” Thielen said, adding that he’ll reassess everything once the season wraps. “At the end of every year, you look back and ask: ‘What do I have left to give to this game?’”
Although he’s not ready to close the door completely, Thielen made it clear: retirement is looming. “I’m just trying to be the best football player I can be right now,” he said. “Then we’ll see where I’m at, where the team’s at, and figure it out from there.”
For a player many counted out after his departure from Minnesota in 2022, Thielen has proven he still belongs. Despite less-than-ideal quarterback play in Carolina, he’s racked up 1,629 receiving yards over the past two seasons, a total that actually outpaces his final two years with the Vikings (1,442 yards). While his touchdown totals have dipped, his reliability and leadership remain invaluable on and off the field.
Thielen’s potential farewell comes at a time when Minnesota’s wide receiver room is thriving with stars like Justin Jefferson and rising talent Jordan Addison, but fans still hold a deep admiration for the undrafted hometown hero who became a franchise icon.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Thielen — not just for his performance, but to see whether this truly is his final dance. One thing’s certain: whenever he hangs up his cleats, Adam Thielen will do so as one of the most respected and accomplished wideouts of his era.