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Ex-Pro Bowl WR has announced his retirement

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jan 14, 2026 1:42 PM ET

A former Pro Bowl wide receiver is calling it a career.

Veteran receiver Adam Thielen confirmed Wednesday that he is retiring now that his season is over. In an Instagram post, the former Minnesota Viking thanked fans for the support over the course of his career.

Veteran NFL receiver Adam Thielen announces his retirement. pic.twitter.com/AgVsKHXJJ2
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 14, 2026

Thielen finished his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he at least got to go out on a playoff team. He spent the bulk of his career with Minnesota, where he caught 55 touchdown passes over a ten-year stint. Those are great numbers for a player who entered the league undrafted in 2014.

Thielen had strongly implied that 2025 would be his final season. Even though he and his team went out in disappointing fashion, that did not change his stance.

During his prime, Thielen was one of the more reliable receivers in the NFL. He topped 1,000 yards three times, and was even a second-team All-Pro selection in 2017. He split 2025 between Minnesota and Pittsburgh, and he had two catches for 25 yards in the Steelers’ AFC Wild Card loss to Houston, which will end up being his final NFL game.

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

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