3 weeks ago
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Adam Thielen's wife accidentally fueled trade rumors after posting a cryptic message on Instagram - before later revealing the truth behind it.
The social media post comes amid reports that Panthers wide receiver Thielen could be heading back to the Minnesota Vikings.
Speculation is mounting that the Panthers and Vikings are discussing a deal to bring Thielen home for the 2025 season, with Minnesota suddenly in need of depth following Jordan Addison's suspension and an injury to Jalen Nailor.
Thielen, 35, is in the final year of his contract with Carolina, where he's played the past two seasons after spending the first nine years of his career in purple and gold.
As fans await news on the potential trade, Caitlin Thielen took to Instagram to tease some 'big news' - however it wasn't what many were expecting.
She followed up the initial post to reveal that their dog, Nona, had learned to swim. She said: 'Isn't that all what you thought it'd be [laughing emojis].'
Rumors regarding Adam Thielen and a potential return to Minnesota have begun to circulate
His wife added fuel to the fire when she teased 'big news' on her Instagram story
Despite the fact it wasn't trade news, the timing of the post still raised eyebrows.
Thielen rose to stardom with the Vikings, going from undrafted free agent out of Minnesota State-Mankato to a two-time Pro Bowler, racking up over 6,600 yards and 55 touchdowns and becoming a fan favorite.
In Carolina, he's remained productive, tallying 1,629 receiving yards and nine TDs in two years while becoming a key target for Bryce Young.
Should a deal go through, it would clear the path for Panthers young receivers Xavier Legette and 2025 first-rounder Tetairoa McMillan to take bigger roles.
Veteran Hunter Renfrow is also eyeing a comeback after missing all of last season due to ulcerative colitis.
Meanwhile, in other Panther-related news, Justine Lindsay, the NFL's first openly transgender cheerleader, has confirmed she will not return to the Panthers this year.
Lindsay, 32, made history in 2022 when she joined the TopCats, becoming the first transgender woman to cheer in the NFL.
However, Caitlin later revealed that the 'big news' was regarding their dog
Fans still read into the timing of the post, in hopes to see Thielen return to the Vikings
But after three seasons on the sidelines, she is officially stepping away, telling Outsports she's moving on to focus on pageantry and charity work.
'For now, I'm focusing on my pageantry work and community involvement, striving to be recognized not just as an NFL cheerleader, but as someone making a positive impact, especially during these uncertain times,' she said in a statement.
She added: 'Being in the NFL was a stepping stone to get me where I need to be, and God is blessing me each and every day… My focus is to educate and uplift the younger generation of leaders to focus on their dreams and goals.
'Don't let a president who is delusional stop them from reaching their goals whether they are trans, African American, not American, etc.'
