For many years, Adam Thielen has been a fan favorite within the Skol community. However, the Minnesota Vikings released the two-time Pro Bowl WR early Friday morning. NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero was the first to report the news, the team has since confirmed it.

The future for the 32-year-old was hanging in the balance. There were talks about restructuring Thielen’s contract, but the two sides could not come to an agreement. The cap-strapped Vikings will save $6.417 million on the cap with a $13.55 million dead-money hit by releasing Thielen.

“Adam will forever be a part of the Minnesota Vikings family and history,” general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said in a statement. “Setting the standard with his play on the field, being a selfless teammate, and making a permanent impact in the community, Adam’s influence is significant. We are grateful for everything he brought to the Vikings organization since arriving in 2013, and I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to work with him over the last year. He is the best representation of what the Minnesota Vikings should stand for. I wish nothing but the best for Adam, Caitlin and their entire family.”

Thielen is famously known for going undrafted and attending a rookie tryout for his hometown team, the Vikings. The Detroit Lakes native who attended Minnesota State eventually signed to the practice squad and the rest is history.

“Adam’s tremendous impact goes well beyond the Vikings organization,” owners Zygi and Mark Wilf said in a statement. “His rise from a tryout player to one of the best players in the history of our franchise has encouraged so many young athletes and is a testament to hard work and perseverance.

Career

He went on to catch 534 passes for 6682 yards with 55 touchdowns. While also rushing 21 times for 172 yards and one touchdown in the 10 years with Minnesota.

“He was a Minnesota Viking long before we signed him and he will be always considered a part of this team.”

For many years, Adam Thielen worked his way into being one of the most reliable pass catchers in the NFL, earning a payday in 2019. In recent years though, his play has fallen off a bit as he has played through injury. He’s generated fewer than 750 yards each of the past two seasons.

With the Vikings ready to bump K.J. Osborn to the No. 2 role behind Justin Jefferson, Thielen’s nearly $20 million cap hit was untenable.

Read the latest sports news via Fantom Sports Industries. Follow us on Twitter @Fantom_sports. Like us on Facebook at Fantom Sports Industries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel via Fantom Sports. Subscribe to our Newsletter! Shop Fantom Sports Industries Merch.

Invest in your favorite athletes like stocks with “Prediction Strike!” Use code FANTOM when you sign up.