North Charlotte Today

Adam Thielen, a veteran wide receiver for the Panthers, confirmed his intention to return for another season with the team. This announcement came after he hinted at having "some more football in me" during an interview with London's Daily Mail while attending an LPGA golf tournament in Florida.

Thielen, speaking from the New Orleans Convention Center, revealed that his decision to continue playing was not immediate. "I had said after the season, like I just need two weeks to really think about it," he stated. He expressed a desire for clarity before committing to another year of professional football.

The 34-year-old athlete acknowledged that he contemplated retirement at the end of last season and even gathered his family for what could have been his final NFL game. "I don't think anyone does other than my family," Thielen remarked regarding how close he was to retiring.

Despite a challenging season marked by a seven-week hiatus due to a hamstring injury, Thielen has decided to push forward. He cited the influence of his quarterback Bryce Young and the team's progress as key factors in his choice. "I would say that was 95 percent of the reason for wanting to play again," Thielen noted.

Young expressed excitement about Thielen's return: "It's huge...not just on the field. In the locker room, the professionalism, the leadership that he brings."

Thielen is also set to be honored at NFL Honors as Carolina's nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. Reflecting on this recognition, he shared his commitment to community involvement: "We've been given a platform for a reason...it's ours to give back."

As for how long he plans to continue playing, Thielen humorously left some uncertainty: "Probably one more...but I guess there's 1 percent of you never know."