Adam Thielen Praises Hunter Renfrow and Embraces Leadership Role as Panthers Receiver Room Evolves

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Christian Standal | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 4:31 PM ET

As the Carolina Panthers prepare for the 2025 season, veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen is finding renewed purpose on and off the field. While he hasn’t confirmed this will be his final NFL season, he acknowledged the possibility and is approaching the year with energy, leadership, and a sense of gratitude.

At this year’s media day, Thielen took a moment to praise new teammate Hunter Renfrow, the former Raiders slot receiver who’s already making a strong impression. “He’s one of the best I’ve seen when it comes to running choice routes,” Thielen said. “The way he sets up defenders, the patience he has, it’s really given me a fresh perspective on how to approach certain parts of my own game.”

Having someone like Renfrow in the wide receiver room, Thielen said, has helped him refine aspects of his skill set that haven’t always come naturally. “He does things I’ve had to work at for years, and seeing that up close has been eye-opening,” he added. “We push each other in a good way.”

Off the field, Renfrow has made just as much of an impression. “My kids love him,” Thielen laughed. “He brings a lot of joy to the team.” That sense of camaraderie, combined with fresh competition and depth, is part of what keeps the 34-year-old wideout feeling young and motivated.

After briefly considering retirement last winter, going so far as to bring his entire family to what he thought might be his final NFL game, Thielen decided to return for a 12th season. His reasons go beyond personal goals. He’s motivated by a desire to mentor younger players and help build something lasting in Carolina. “Once I make a decision, I’m all in,” Thielen said. “And I have no regrets.”

He’s especially energized by the competition in the wide receiver room, which now includes Renfrow, rookies Tetairoa McMillan and Jimmy Horn Jr., and second-year talents eager to prove themselves. “For the first time since I’ve been here, you look around the room and don’t know who’s going to make the team. And that’s a great thing,” he said. “Competition raises the floor, and when you raise the floor, you raise the ceiling.”

Head coach Dave Canales and GM Dan Morgan have emphasized that no roster spot is guaranteed, and Thielen embraces that mindset. “It’s made me have to step up my game and prove my worth every day.”

Thielen also sees the strength of the group in its diversity, of background and playing style. “Everyone has different skill sets, different ways of understanding the game,” he said. “That gives our coaches the ability to get creative, and it helps Bryce [Young] knowing he has so many weapons.”

With the 2025 season on the horizon, Thielen’s presence continues to be a blend of veteran poise, evolving skill, and quiet leadership, exactly what the Panthers need as they turn the page toward a new era.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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