Two-time Pro Bowl receiver Adam Thielen retires from NFL after 12 seasons

One of the most productive receivers of this era is calling it a career.

Adam Thielen, who played this past season with the Steelers, formally announced his retirement after 12 seasons in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old made it clear this would be his final campaign after the Vikings waived him on Dec. 1, and he did not go back on that after reaching the postseason with Pittsburgh.

Steelers wide receiver Adam Thielen runs the ball after a catch during the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ win over the Lions at Ford Field earlier in the season. Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

“What a ride it has been!” Thielen wrote on his Instagram story in response to a Football Forever post. “13 years what a blessing! Have been blessed with so many great relationships and mentors over the years that I am forever grateful for! Thank you to everyone who has supported me through the years, it has meant everything to my family and I!”

He became one of the most consistent wide receivers in the NFL for the Vikings after going undrafted in 2013. 

Thielen caught 704 passes for 8,497 yards and 64 touchdowns in his career.

He had the most productive years of his career from 2016-22, averaging 73.4 catches, 914 yards and 7.7 touchdowns per season, making the Pro Bowl twice.

Minnesota wide receiver Adam Thielen walks off the field after the Vikings’ home win over the Bears on Dec. 31, 2017. AP

The Minnesota State alum spent the final three seasons of his career between the Panthers, Vikings and Steelers.

Thielen had 11 receptions for 117 yards and no touchdowns during five games in the black and yellow, helping the Steelers win the AFC North before they were bounced by the Texans in the wild-card round.

Thielen joined the Panthers in 2022 on a three-year deal, but only reached the 1,000-yard mark in his first season before being traded back to the Vikings before this season.