Adam Thielen reacts to joining Steelers, emotions of leaving Vikings in final NFL season

Adam Thielen took to the podium Thursday for the first time as a Pittsburgh Steeler. Thielen, 35, was claimed off waivers earlier this week by the Steelers.

Thielen, traded back to the Minnesota Vikings from the Carolina Panthers ahead of the start of the season, never found a role in Minnesota’s struggling offense. Now, he’ll look to finish his NFL career in Pittsburgh — one final chance to go out on a high note.

“The situation that they’re in, that we’re in and the opportunity to come make an impact,” Thielen said of joining the Steelers. “Again, there’s so much out of your control at that point. So, just trying to get a — I talked to my agent — get a grasp on what teams had needs at that position and then see what happens.”

Adam Thielen will finish NFL career in Pittsburgh

Thielen, who announced the 2025 season will be his last, has appeared in 11 games this season, hauling in just eight passes for 69 yards. With Minnesota at 4-8 and out of playoff contention, Thielen requested his release in hopes of joining a contender.

The Steelers are in need of more production on offense and decided to take a flier on the veteran wideout as they sit 6-6, tied for first place in the AFC North. While Thielen now has a chance to play meaningful games in January, leaving Minnesota was still hard on him.

Thielen spent the first nine seasons of his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings (2013-2022) and a 10th this season. He is fourth all-time in Vikings history with 542 receptions, fifth with 6,751 receiving yards and third with 55 receiving touchdowns.

“Extremely tough. It really wore on me mentally,” Thielen said of leaving Minnesota. “… Just excited to have an opportunity. I’m very thankful for this organization, the people in the locker room.”