The final catch of Adam Thielen’s 13-year NFL career came in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform, a fact that became official Wednesday when the wide receiver announced his retirement.
The 35-year-old was a late-season addition to the roster, signed off waivers with five games remaining in the regular season. He contributed 11 receptions for 117 yards over a six-week span, capping a career that started in Minnesota and included a stint with Carolina.
“What a ride it has been!” Thielen wrote in an Instagram post revealing his retirement.
Thielen retires with 704 career receptions for 8,497 yards and 64 touchdowns, much of it earned during his first nine seasons with the Vikings. He was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2017 and ’18.
After two years with the Panthers, he re-signed with Minnesota before the season but was released by the Vikings in December as his playing time decreased, allowing the veteran to find a larger role elsewhere. Thielen revealed then that this would be his final season.
He earned a spot in the Steelers offense, catching at least one pass in all six games. His best was a four-catch, 49-yard effort in a Dec. 21 victory at Detroit. He added three catches for 43 yards in the Week 18 win over Baltimore.
The Steelers won four of their final five regular-season games after his arrival.
Thielen entered the league in 2013 as an undrafted free agent out of Minnesota State. He spent his first season on the practice squad before earning an active roster spot the following year.
His breakout season came in 2016 when he caught 69 passes for 967 yards and five touchdowns. He followed that with 91- and 113-catch efforts the next two seasons.
