Adam Thielen Hints at Retirement After 2025: Panthers WR Reflects on His NFL Future
Veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen may be gearing up for his final season in the NFL.
Now entering his third year with the Carolina Panthers, the 34-year-old wideout acknowledged that the 2025 season could very well be his last. In a candid moment with reporters, Thielen revealed that retirement is on the horizon — but he’s not ready to make that decision just yet. “It could be, yeah,” Thielen said when asked if 2025 might mark his final NFL campaign. “At the end of every season, I look back and ask myself what I have left to give. I talked with my family, and they wanted me to keep going. So I’ll take the same approach after this season.”
Thielen considered walking away from football earlier this year, making his latest comments less of a surprise and more of a signal that the finish line may be near. Still, with a pay raise in hand and a prominent role in Carolina’s offense, he’s fully committed to giving it everything in what could be a farewell season.
The former undrafted free agent from Minnesota State became a household name with the Vikings, where he recorded two 1,200+ yard seasons and earned two Pro Bowl nods. Since joining the Panthers, he’s taken on a veteran leadership role, helping guide a young offensive unit. Despite a limited 2024 season in which he played just 10 games, Thielen still racked up five touchdowns and averaged an impressive 12.8 yards per reception. In 2023, he posted 103 catches — the second-most in his career — solidifying his status as a reliable option amid an otherwise struggling offense.
As the Panthers invest in their future, Thielen remains a crucial piece. With first-round wide receiver picks in back-to-back years — Xavier Legette in 2024 and Tetairoa McMillan in 2025 — Carolina is clearly building for the long haul. But as these rookies develop, Thielen’s presence offers a steady hand and invaluable experience.
Whether or not 2025 will be Adam Thielen’s final act in the NFL remains to be seen, but fans should savor every moment. If this is his last ride, he’s determined to make it count.