Adam Thielen, former Minnesota Vikings star and current Carolina Panthers player, has stunned fans of his former team by sharing details about his retirement plans. In a video posted by reporter Joe Person of The Athletic on X, Thielen revealed that the 2025 season could be his final one in the NFL. This news comes as a shock to Vikings fans, who have long hoped to see him return to the purple and gold before hanging up his cleats.
Thielen’s Storied Journey with the Vikings
Adam Thielen, born and raised in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, is one of the NFL’s most inspiring success stories. Undrafted in 2013, Thielen joined the Vikings as a free agent and started on the practice squad. Through relentless effort, he rose to become one of the team’s top wide receivers, amassing 6,682 receiving yards (fifth in Vikings history) and 55 touchdowns (third in team history). He earned two Pro Bowl selections and was named to the All-Pro Second Team.
Beyond his on-field excellence, Thielen became an icon for Minnesota fans. He embodied the spirit of a hometown hero, living out his childhood dream of playing for the team he loved. His departure in 2023, when the Vikings released him due to financial constraints, left a void in the hearts of fans.
Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen could retire after the 2025 NFL season
Adam Thielen will turn 35 years old this year, and there have been rumblings about the former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver retiring soon. Fans got an update on when that could happen in a recent video shared by The Athletic’s Joe Person on X,
In the video, Thielen shared that he’s been discussing the possibility of retirement with his family and they decided he should play during the upcoming season. He also said that 2025 could be his last run in the NFL.
If this is the case, Minnesota Vikings fans who would love to see him return to the team for one more season will not get their wish. Although he could sign a one-day contract and retire a member of the purple and gold, it just wouldn’t be the same.
Thielen holds a place in the hearts of many Vikings fans. He is currently fifth all-time in receiving yards (6,682) and third in receiving touchdowns (55) for the franchise while being a two-time Pro Bowl player during his time in Minnesota.
If this is the last hurrah for Adam Thielen, fans should take the time to watch him play as often as possible and appreciate his contributions to the franchise as he helps the Carolina Panthers return to relevance.
Although the Minnesota Vikings don’t play the Panthers this year, keeping an eye on the team’s former wide receiver would be a great way to enjoy what could be his final season in the league. Even if he doesn’t physically come to Minneapolis in 2025, there will always be a home for him in the Land of 10,000 Lakes and among the ocean of purple and gold at U.S. Bank Stadium.
A Vikings Return: Is It Possible?
While Vikings fans yearn for Thielen’s return, the odds seem slim. Thielen is under contract with the Panthers for one more year, with an $8.4 million salary in 2025, and cutting or trading him would carry significant financial implications for Carolina. Meanwhile, the Vikings are focused on building around young stars like Justin Jefferson and J.J. McCarthy, making a reunion with Thielen less feasible.
Still, fans hold out hope that Thielen could sign a one-day contract with the Vikings to retire officially in purple and gold, much like Jared Allen did. Such a move would provide a fitting end to one of the most memorable journeys in team history.
A Lasting Legacy
Whether Thielen continues playing or retires after the 2025 season, his legacy in Minnesota is undeniable. From an unknown prospect to a beloved star, he has inspired millions of fans and young athletes, proving that talent and hard work can overcome any obstacle. With his remarkable contributions, Thielen is almost certain to be inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor in the future.
For now, Vikings fans can only continue to watch and cheer for Thielen in a Panthers uniform, while holding onto the hope that one day, he will return home to close out his career the way everyone dreams.