STWF Sports |MINNEAPOLIS | Dec. 1 2025 — One of the most beloved players in Minnesota Vikings history is officially moving on. Wide receiver Adam Thielen, a hometown hero who rose from undrafted free agent to two-time Pro Bowler, requested and was granted his release Monday after being made a healthy inactive during Minnesota’s 26–0 meltdown against the Seattle Seahawks.
It was a decision shaped by pride, timing, and the reality of a career approaching its final chapter. For Thielen, the shutout loss—and his relegation to the sideline—was the moment he knew he needed to seek one last chance at postseason glory.
“Following discussions through the weekend and out of respect for Adam, we have agreed to give him the opportunity to pursue more playing time elsewhere,” the Vikings said in a statement. “Adam is one of the all-time great Vikings, and we wish him and his family continued success.”
Thielen later confirmed that the 2024–25 campaign will be the final season of his NFL career. In a heartfelt message, he thanked the Vikings for allowing him to sign with a contender for the stretch run.
“Since this past spring, I knew this was going to be my last season playing in the National Football League,” Thielen wrote. “Given that, the Vikings allowed me the opportunity to go compete elsewhere for the last few weeks of my career.”
With playoff contenders like the Buffalo Bills rumored as possible suitors, Thielen now has a chance to chase the only accolade missing from his résumé: a Super Bowl ring.
FROM HOMETOWN HOPEFUL TO VIKINGS ICON
Thielen’s story remains one of the NFL’s great modern triumphs. Signed in 2013 as an undrafted longshot from Minnesota State, he carved out a decade-long career defined by grit, precision route-running, and elite hands. His return to the Vikings this season—after two years with the Carolina Panthers—was supposed to be a feel-good reunion, but the emergence of Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor pushed him down the depth chart.
Meanwhile, Justin Jefferson continues to redefine the modern wideout standard. The 26-year-old phenom surpassed both Jerry Rice and Calvin Johnson in career yardage through six seasons, and sits just 144 yards behind Vikings legend Randy Moss (8,375) for the franchise record—one Jefferson will almost certainly break in Week 14 if healthy.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s expected return from concussion protocol should bring the offense some stability after an inconsistent stretch.
Thielen has cherished witnessing Jefferson’s growth firsthand.
“Justin, obviously we had built such a great relationship,” Thielen told talkSPORT earlier this season. “It’s been really fun to reminisce and then build on that this year. He’s matured so much. He’s a father now. Just seeing his growth has been so cool.”
A QUIET LEGEND AND A LASTING MARK
Though overshadowed by Jefferson’s meteoric rise, Thielen remains one of only two players in NFL history—along with Calvin Johnson—to record eight straight 100-yard games. Jefferson, for all his brilliance, has yet to match that streak.
“I haven’t given him a hard time about that,” Thielen joked. “But when I’m retired, I’ll make sure to remind him every once in a while.”
Thielen exits Minnesota with over 8,000 career yards, a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable possession receivers, and a legacy built on professionalism. His departure, though expected, hits the Vikings locker room emotionally.
‘HE PLAYS LIKE HE DOESN’T HAVE LIGAMENTS’ — HOCKENSON ON JEFFERSON
If Thielen represents Minnesota’s past, Jefferson represents its future. Tight end T.J. Hockenson offered one of the most vivid descriptions of Jefferson’s ability.
“He’s the best receiver I’ve ever been around, hands down,” Hockenson said. “He comes to practice every day, grinding. But he’s so gifted. Some of the routes he runs, it’s like he doesn’t have ligaments. He just bends, cuts, and gets out of breaks like it’s nothing.”
A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
As the Vikings look to rebound from an embarrassing shutout and recalibrate their offense, Thielen begins the final pursuit of his NFL journey: a Super Bowl chase with a contender in need of veteran leadership and reliable hands.
For Minnesota, it’s the closing of one of the franchise’s most heartfelt chapters.
For Adam Thielen, it’s one last chance to write the perfect ending.
