Carolina Panthers wideout Adam Thielen, just like he has for the past few years, isn’t taking the game of football for granted.
The 34-year-old receiver just closed the book on yet another productive season. His 11th NFL campaign, one that shortened by six games due to an hamstring injury, still saw the two-time Pro Bowler go for 615 yards and five touchdowns over 10 outings.
But will Mr. Reliable be back for a 12th NFL campaign?
On Monday, less than 24 hours after Carolina’s victorious regular-season finale, Thielen was asked if he’s considering retirement.
“Yeah, for sure,” he replied.
He explained.
“I mean, every year I think I consider it,” Thielen continued. “It’s no different than the last three years. Nothing has changed in the last three years as far as the process of the next two weeks. I’m gonna take two weeks to be around my family, get my mind away from football, see how my body feels in two, three weeks and then be very clear of my intentions.
“But again, that’s not a new thing—in Year 12. It’s something that I’ve contemplated probably since Year 10. After the season, like . . . is this right for my family? Is it right for me to keep playing? Is it right for the team?”
If it’s right for everyone, Thielen will be entering the final season of a three-year, $25 million deal in 2025.
