Jan. 14, 2026, 5:07 p.m. MT
Adam Thielen won’t be reuniting with George Paton.
After finishing the 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Thielen announced on Wednesday that he is retiring after 13 seasons in the NFL.
“What a ride it has been!” Thielen wrote on his Instagram story. “13 years what a blessing! Have been blessed with so many great relationships and mentors over the years that I am forever grateful for! Thank you to everyone who has supported me through the years it has meant everything to my family and I!”
Denver Broncos general manager George Paton was an assistant GM with the Minnesota Vikings when they signed Theilen as an undrafted rookie out of Minnesota State in 2013. The 35-year-old receiver went on to total 704 receptions for 8,497 yards and 64 touchdowns in 178 career games.
Denver pursued Thielen during NFL free agency in 2023, but he opted to join the Carolina Panthers instead. Three seasons later, Thielen is hanging up his cleats.
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