Adam Thielen Leaves the Vikings: An Icon Says Goodbye
The Minnesota Vikings have made the decision to release veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen, according to an official announcement from the team this Monday. The request for release came directly from the player, who is looking to have a more prominent role in what he has indicated will be his last season in the NFL.Thielen, who did not participate in Sunday’s game against Seattle, has played 10 of his 12 seasons with the Vikings. He returned to the team this season after being traded to Minnesota by the Carolina Panthers, a team he played with in 2023 and ’24 after being released by the Vikings in March ’23.In a social media statement, Thielen, 35, revealed that he knew since the spring that this would be his last season in the NFL. Thielen has accumulated eight receptions for 69 yards in 11 games this season, but in 2023 he achieved a 1,000-yard season, with 103 receptions for 1,014 yards with the Panthers. In Vikings history, Thielen ranks third in receiving touchdowns (55), fourth in receptions (542), and fifth in receiving yards (6,751).“Last week, Adam’s representation approached the team and asked if we would be willing to release him, expressing his desire to play a more significant role in the remaining weeks of what he has indicated will be his final season in the NFL. After discussions over the weekend and out of respect for Adam, we have agreed to give him the opportunity to seek more playing time elsewhere. Adam is one of the all-time great Vikings, and we wish him and his family continued success,” stated General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah
