Some players just feel like Minnesota Vikings. Even if those individuals don't spend their entire careers in a purple and gold jersey, they embody the franchise and have been embraced by the team's fans.
Adam Thielen is one of those players. Born and raised in Minnesota and attending Minnesota State-Mankato, the undrafted free agent of the Vikings worked his way from the practice squad to the starting lineup.
Sadly, Thielen and the Vikings parted ways after the 2022 NFL season. After ten seasons with the purple and gold, he brought his talents to the Carolina Panthers and would continue to contribute as a pass catcher there.
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.
