On Friday, the Vikings released wide receiver Adam Thielen. The nine-year veteran and Minnesota native, who signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2013 out of Minnesota State, left his mark on the Vikings.
He is third in team history in receptions(534), receiving touchdowns(55), and fourth in receiving yards(6682).
The Vikings reportedly tried to get the 33-year-old Thielen, who had a reduced role with the team and finished 2022 with 70 receptions for 716 yards and six touchdowns, to take a pay cut to stay, but the two-time Pro Bowler declined.
Minnesota cleared some cap space with the move as, according to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Thielen had a $19.97 million cap hit for 2023.
After his release became official, Vikings ownership, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and head coach Kevin O’Connell talked about impact of Thielen in Minnesota.
“Adam will forever be a part of the Minnesota Vikings family and history. Setting the standard with his play on the field, being a selfless teammate, and making a permanent impact in the community, Adam’s influence is significant. We are grateful for everything he brought to the Vikings organization since arriving in 2013, and I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to work with him over the last year. He is the best representation of what the Minnesota Vikings should stand for. I wish nothing but the best for Adam, Caitlin and their entire family.”
-Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah
“Adam’s story is one many know and admire and an incredible example of what a relentless pursuit of a goal can ultimately accomplish. For over a decade, Adam honed his craft to become one of the most well-recognized wide receivers in the NFL. Over that same time, he poured so much of his time into his home state, which made it even more special for him to earn our 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination.I personally leaned on Adam for his work ethic, leadership, and counsel multiple times to help get our team where we wanted it to be last season. I appreciate Adam’s contributions and will be pulling for continued success for him, Caitlin and their children.”
– Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell
“Adam’s tremendous impact goes well beyond the Vikings organization. His rise from a tryout player to one of the best players in the history of our franchise has encouraged so many young athletes and is a testament to hard work and perseverance. While Adam had a competitive fire on the field, he showed grace, compassion and humility within his community. The commitment he and his wife, Caitlin, have shown to Minnesota through the Thielen Foundation has and will continue to provide real change. Adam’s energetic, contagious personality will be missed inside the facility, but we are grateful for the foundation he built. He was a Minnesota Viking long before we signed him and he will be always considered a part of this team. We sincerely wish Adam, Caitlin and their entire family continued success.”
– Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf and Owner/President Mark Wilf
