From Vikings castoff to AFC North champion, Adam Thielen finds unexpected Super Bowl hopes in Pittsburgh's late-career renaissance.
A little more than a month ago, Adam Thielen was playing out the string of the final season of his 12-year career for a team going nowhere. Now, the wide receiver is hoping for a shot at playing in the Super Bowl once before he walks away from the game.
Thielen asked the Minnesota Vikings for his release on Dec. 1. The Steelers (10-7) claimed him off waivers the next day and he has been a contributor to a team that won the AFC North title with a 26-24 victory over the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday and will host the Houston Texans (12-5) in a Wild Card playoff on Monday night at Acrisure Stadium.
Thielen’s career almost ended in last week’s winner-take-all matchup for the division championship. The Steelers went ahead 26-24 on Aaron Rodgers’ 26-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III with 55 seconds left, then had to survive Ravens rookie Tyler Loop’s missed 44-yard field goal attempt as time expired.
While he wasn’t thinking in those terms in that moment, Thielen realized that final minute summed up his life in the NFL.
"I think the longer you play in this league, you understand that it's a week-to-week league,” Thielen said. “Every week is so different. Every series is so different. There are so many ups and downs through a game, through a season, through a week. So, you just kind of get numb to that. You just focus on the next play, and the next week, and the next day, and go from there.
"I've seen a lot. So, nothing is surprising in this league. You just show up the next day and give the most effort you can and figure it out from there."
Thielen is a two-time Pro Bowler and a home-state hero in Minnesota. However, Thielen had just eight receptions for 69 yards in 11 games when he asked the Vikings to cut him.
Thielen has had a rebirth with the Steelers, notching 11 catches for 117 yards. Thielen credits the atmosphere set by coach Mike Tomlin for making the final days of his career fun.
"I think it's just a little less stress," Thielen said. "This business is stressful enough, but when you have to be a different version of yourself, sometimes that can just create more stress. So, I think letting guys truly be themselves and be who they are on the field can be a benefit. I think it's been a good thing as far as just guys showing up and having confidence in what they do."