
Adam Thielen, former Minnesota Vikings player, may soon transition to a broadcasting career. He is currently attending 'NFL Broadcast Bootcamp,' indicating a likely future as a sports announcer or analyst.
Jim Dedmon
Do you miss Adam Thielen yet? Heās been gone from the NFL for about three months, but he could soon be back ā as an announcer or analyst.
Thielenās post-playing future may be pointing toward TV.
The Minnesota Vikings legend is attending āNFL Broadcast Bootcamp,ā meaning heāll probably find a spot as a media member before too long.
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.comās Rob Kleifield reported Thielenās next career path this week, noting, āLast 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 āsuited and bootedā for the NFLās annual broadcasting and media workshop in Los Angeles last week.ā
āThielen 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.ā
Given Thielenās reputation for determination and results, this thing might be a shoo-in.
The Athleticās Vic Tafur describes Broadcast Bootcamp: āItās tough to get a spot at the workshop, which was first held in 2007. There were 90 applicants for 24 spots in this yearās program. Each player was asked to answer questions to make sure this is something he is serious about and then asked to submit reels.ā
āSome 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.ā
The Playing Career with Vikings
Thielenās Vikings stats speak for themselves: 542 catches, 6,751 yards, and 55 touchdowns in Minnesota. The numbers place him among the franchiseās 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 leagueās premier receivers, quickly developing a rapport with Kirk Cousins and establishing himself as one of the NFLās most dependable targets.
His story continues to resonate with fans: small-town roots and a state-school background. Heās 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 ā hit a wall even ā and Minnesota didnāt 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 Rodgersā 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 Thielenās demand for a release rather bizarre. Wasnāt 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 Vikingsā draft next week: āWe also can advise to be on the lookout for Thielen to participate in a pre-draft show for Vikings Entertainment Network.ā

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 leagueās continued global expansion efforts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
In that vein, he can follow in Leberās 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 folksā 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.
Adam Thielen is attending 'NFL Broadcast Bootcamp' to prepare for a potential career in sports broadcasting.
Adam Thielen has been away from the NFL for about three months.
He may take on a role as a sports announcer or analyst following his training at the bootcamp.
He is attending the bootcamp to gain skills and experience for a future career in sports media.

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