Adam Thielen Could Have a New Job Soon

Jim Dedmon

Do you miss Adam Thielen yet? He’s been gone from the NFL for about three months, but he could soon be back — as an announcer or analyst.

Thielen’s post-playing future may be pointing toward TV.

The Minnesota Vikings legend is attending “NFL Broadcast Bootcamp,” meaning he’ll probably find a spot as a media member before too long.

A Media Role Could Be Next for the Former Vikings Star

Thielen took a step toward that path last week in Los Angeles.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Adam Thielen (16) reacts following a late-game sequence in the fourth quarter, Dec. 28, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, showing visible frustration as the Steelers battle the Browns in a tightly contested matchup with playoff implications hanging over the final possessions. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images.

Thielen Eyes Broadcasting

Vikings.com’s Rob Kleifield reported Thielen’s next career path this week, noting, “Last month, the Vikings organization celebrated the amazing careers of C.J. Ham and Adam Thielen. This month, Thielen took a baby step toward what could wind up being a focus in his life after football. Thielen was one of 24 players who got “suited and booted” for the NFL’s annual broadcasting and media workshop in Los Angeles last week.”

“Thielen was picked from a pool of 90 applicants, and he participated alongside the likes of LB Demario Davis and WR Brandin Cooks. Alumni of the workshop include All-Pro Maurice Jones-Drew, as well as Super Bowl Champions Jason McCourty and Jason Kelce. Thielen sounded hesitant about a career in media during his retirement ceremony, alluding to the frequent traveling, but he stated his desire to be involved with the game in whatever is next.”

Given Thielen’s reputation for determination and results, this thing might be a shoo-in.

The Athletic‘s Vic Tafur describes Broadcast Bootcamp: “It’s tough to get a spot at the workshop, which was first held in 2007. There were 90 applicants for 24 spots in this year’s program. Each player was asked to answer questions to make sure this is something he is serious about and then asked to submit reels.”

“Some players sent in old interviews at their lockers. They were told this was their chance to be their own content creator and their reels should reflect what they want to do in the space. After the reels were screened, players were ranked 1-90, with no clear-cut criteria.”

The Playing Career with Vikings

Thielen’s Vikings stats speak for themselves: 542 catches, 6,751 yards, and 55 touchdowns in Minnesota. The numbers place him among the franchise’s all-time greats, ranking him third in receiving touchdowns, fourth in receptions, and fifth in receiving yards.

However, his path to those achievements was unconventional. After earning a tryout with the Vikings in 2013, he transformed that opportunity into a decade-long career with his hometown team. By 2018, he had become one of the league’s premier receivers, quickly developing a rapport with Kirk Cousins and establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most dependable targets.

His story continues to resonate with fans: small-town roots and a state-school background. He’s the quintessential Minnesota underdog. During his peak years, that underdog consistently earned Pro Bowl consideration, including two official Pro Bowl nods (2017, 2018).

A Disappointing Exit Strategy

Of course, not all stories have spotless happy endings. The Vikings traded for Thielen last summer, a deal centered around a 4th-Round pick with the Carolina Panthers. The price felt steep at the time, and the feeling was vindicated. Thielen has clearly lost a step — hit a wall even — and Minnesota didn’t use him much on offense.

The drought wore on Thielen, so much so that he requested his release in November 2025, which the Vikings granted, and Thielen parleyed it into a contract with Aaron Rodgers’ Pittsburgh Steelers.

Taylor Twellman, left, shares the tournament lead after two rounds while Adam Thielen, right, sits in fourth place, July 12, 2025, at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course during the American Century Championship, as both athletes remain in contention entering the final round of the celebrity event. Mandatory Credit: Jim Krajewski/RGJ / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

Thielen caught 11 passes for 117 yards in five Steelers games before retiring, in addition to appearing in a blowout playoff loss against the Houston Texans. While time will obviously heal the wound, some fans considered Thielen’s demand for a release rather bizarre. Wasn’t the whole point of the summer trade to retire with the Vikings? Evidently not.

Thankfully, Thielen is so beloved that few will care about the Steelers chapters five years from now.

The Ben Leber Route

Klefield also claimed that Thielen will do some work for the Vikings’ draft next week: “We also can advise to be on the lookout for Thielen to participate in a pre-draft show for Vikings Entertainment Network.”

Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ben Leber watches from the sideline during an NFL International Series game, Oct. 5, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, observing the action between the Vikings and Browns as part of the league’s continued global expansion efforts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

In that vein, he can follow in Leber’s footsteps. Leber played for the Vikings from 2006 to 2010, walking away after the Brett Favre years. By 2012, he had transitioned into a sideline radio personality and has remained in that role since.

Leber is active on social media, engages with fans, appears on folks’ podcasts, and is generally considered one of the most sensible Vikings-themed minds out there. If Thielen wants a blueprint, all he has to do is chat with Leber.

Thielen will turn 36 this summer.