‘It could be, yeah,’ the Carolina Panthers wide-out told The Athletic’s Joe Person at a charity event Friday.
Thielen went on to explain that at this point in his career, there is a process to deciding to retire. He went through the steps – which involved self-reflection and input from his family – before deciding to suit up in 2025.
‘I told you guys at the end of the season, like every year, you look back and you say, hey, what left do I have to give to this game?’ Thielen said. ‘I talked to my family, and they wanted me to keep playing. So it’ll be the same process.’
While that process requires a lot of contemplation, Thielen isn’t trying to look too far ahead with his decision already made for 2025.
‘I’m not gonna think about that right now,’ Thielen said of his future beyond 2025. ‘I’m going to focus on being the best football player I can possibly be. You have to have that mindset in this league. Then once the season’s over, evaluate, see where we’re at, see where the team’s at, see where I’m at individually and as a family and figure it out.’
Thielen’s contract with the Panthers will expire following the 2025 NFL season. The team has invested in the receiver position during the offseason. Carolina the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Tetairoa McMillan and inking 2021 Pro Bowler Hunter Renfrow to a deal as he attempts an NFL comeback.
The Panthers also have 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette and second-year receiver Jalen Coker, who flashed as an undrafted rookie, on the roster.
Is that a sign that the team is preparing for life without Thielen? The veteran receiver isn’t worried about that as he keeps his focus on the 2025 NFL season.
‘[I’m] definitely winding down my career, but excited about this year and what could happen,’ Thielen said.
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.