When an athlete reaches his 30s, the retirement discourse is nearly inescapable. After 11 seasons in the NFL, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen, 34, is again facing the question of whether to continue his career.

Still, Thielen realizes he’s on the proverbial back nine of his career. “I think there’s probably more times now that you’re like, ‘Alright, there’s probably not much more,’” Thielen said. “So you know there’s an end in sight, but when that exactly will be is kind of a year-to-year thing.”

Adam Thielen #19 of the Carolina Panthers looks on from the field during warmups prior to an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.