Mon Dec 01 17:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen has been waived by the Minnesota Vikings at his own request. Thielen, a Minnesota native who expressed his intent to retire at the end of the season, asked for the release to pursue more playing time elsewhere in the final weeks of his career. The Vikings granted his request out of respect. Thielen expressed gratitude to the Vikings organization and stated his intention to retire as a Viking. Thielen will now go through waivers, and if unclaimed, he will be free to sign with any team. Thielen returned to the Vikings this season after a trade with Carolina. He had a relatively quiet second stint, appearing in 11 games with 8 receptions for 69 yards.
News Article:
Vikings Release Veteran Receiver Adam Thielen at Player’s Request
EAGAN, Minn. – In a surprising move, the Minnesota Vikings have waived veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen. The decision comes after Thielen, who had previously signaled his intention to retire at the end of the season, requested the release from the team.
According to a statement released by General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Thielen’s representatives approached the team seeking an opportunity for the receiver to find a larger role elsewhere in the league during his final weeks as a player.
“Last week, Adam’s representation approached the team and asked if we would be willing to release Adam, expressing his desire to play a bigger role in the remaining weeks of what he has indicated will be his final NFL season,” Adofo-Mensah said. “Following discussions through the weekend and out of respect for Adam, we have agreed to give him the opportunity to pursue more playing time elsewhere. Adam is one of the all-time great Vikings, and we wish him and his family continued success.”
Thielen, a Minnesota native, posted a heartfelt message on social media expressing his gratitude to the Vikings organization and fans. “This is tremendously difficult for me to write and certainly not how any of us imagined this to go,” Thielen said. “I will ALWAYS be a Minnesota Viking.” He also stated that Minnesota would always be his home, and that he would come back to retire as a Viking.
The Vikings brought Thielen back to Minnesota this season following a trade with the Carolina Panthers, in exchange for draft picks. In his second stint with the Vikings, Thielen played in 11 games, recording 8 receptions for 69 yards and one 2-point conversion. He was inactive for the Vikings’ most recent game against Seattle.
Thielen will now be subject to the NFL’s waiver process. If he goes unclaimed, he will be free to sign with any team.