(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE = Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen warms up before an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Oct. 19, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New York City, NY) Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Adam Thielen is being recognized for his community outreach efforts and became one of three finalists up for the 2026 Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award.  

This award is given to an athlete whose continuous and demonstrated leadership through sports created a measured positive impact on their community, and each candidate must embrace the core principals that the late boxing champion embodied so well. These traits are confidence, conviction, dedication, giving and respect. 

ESPN is presenting the 12th annual Sports Humanitarian Awards and a broadcast to present them is set for July 14th.  

Thielen has invested and worked towards providing wellness and mental health for youth and according to ESPN’s press release announcing this year’s finalists, the Thielen Foundation has become a top-tier nonprofit organization centered around young people. 

Throughout his whole career, Thielen has been one of the most respected members throughout the National Football League.  

Thielen announced his retirement from the NFL on January 14th on Instagram and he finished his NFL career with the Steelers, earning 11 receptions for 117 yards in five games in three starts with the team. 

He is best known for playing for the Minnesota Vikings where he played from 2013-2022, and in 2025 before the Steelers claimed him off of waivers on December 2nd, 2025  

His 542 receptions with the Vikings are 4th in Vikings history. Thielen also played with the Carolina Panthers from 2023-2024 and he holds the NFL record for most consecutive 100-yard receiving games with eight.