Players
Events
Wide Receiver

Adam Thielen

Free Agent 2013

Number

19

Birthdate

1990-08-22

Is Alive

yes

Acquisition Date

2013

Player Bio

Adam Thielen is a professional football player known for his time as a wide receiver with the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL. Known for his work ethic, route running, and playmaking ability, Thielen has become one of the most respected wide receivers in the league.

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Adam John Thielen
Born: August 22, 1990
Hometown: Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

High School:

  • Thielen attended Detroit Lakes High School in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.
  • During high school, he excelled as both a wide receiver and defensive back, but his talent was most prominent on the offensive side of the ball.
  • He also participated in track and field, where his speed and athleticism helped him stand out.

College:

  • Thielen played college football at Minnesota State University, Mankato (a Division II school).
  • Despite not playing for a major college program, Thielen had an impressive career at Minnesota State and earned All-American honors for his performance.
  • Over his four years at Minnesota State, he set multiple school records, including career receiving yards and touchdowns.
  • His outstanding college career helped him get noticed by NFL scouts, despite coming from a smaller program.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

  • Adam Thielen was not drafted in the 2013 NFL Draft, which was a significant setback, but he quickly proved that his lack of draft status would not define his career.

Minnesota Vikings (2013–2022)

  • Rookie Season:
    • After going undrafted, Thielen signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Vikings in 2013.
    • He spent the majority of his rookie season on the practice squad, but his hard work and development paid off when he was promoted to the active roster later in the year.
  • Breakout and Starting Role:
    • Thielen began to make a name for himself in the Vikings’ receiving corps in 2014.
    • His consistent performance, particularly his ability to make clutch catches and be a reliable target for the Vikings’ quarterbacks, earned him a regular spot on the roster and eventually a starting role.
    • In 2016, Thielen had his breakout season, recording 69 receptions for 967 yards and 5 touchdowns, which helped establish him as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL.
  • Pro Bowl Seasons:
    • In 2017, Thielen had a career year, catching 91 passes for 1,276 yards and 4 touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
    • He followed that up with another 1,000-yard season in 2018, establishing himself as a consistent and elite receiver in the league.
    • Thielen’s combination of strong route running, precise hands, and ability to make plays in critical moments made him a favorite target for Vikings quarterbacks.
  • Part of the Vikings’ Dynamic Duo:
    • Alongside Stefon Diggs, Thielen formed one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL.
    • Both players complemented each other well, with Thielen being a more possession-oriented receiver and Diggs often being the deep threat. Together, they helped elevate the Vikings’ passing game to new heights.
  • Injury Struggles:
    • Thielen faced some injury issues in the later years of his career with the Vikings, but he continued to play through adversity. In 2019, he missed several games due to a hamstring injury, but he bounced back the following season.
  • Later Years with the Vikings:
    • Thielen remained with the Vikings as one of their most reliable playmakers, continuing to contribute to their offensive attack. His leadership and ability to mentor younger receivers helped the team develop a strong group of pass catchers.

Carolina Panthers (2023–Present)

  • After spending the majority of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, Thielen signed with the Carolina Panthers in 2023, continuing his career in the NFL.
  • His move to the Panthers marked the end of his long tenure with the Vikings and began a new chapter in his professional career.

Career Stats

  • Receptions: 534
  • Receiving Yards: 6,682
  • Touchdowns: 55
  • Pro Bowls: 1 (2017)
  • Games Played: 148 (as of 2023)

Legacy

  • Minnesota Vikings Legacy:
    • Adam Thielen is remembered as one of the most reliable and consistent receivers in Minnesota Vikings history.
    • Known for his incredible work ethic, Thielen’s story from an undrafted free agent to a Pro Bowl wide receiver is one of the most inspiring in recent NFL history.
    • His ability to make critical catches, especially in key moments, helped the Vikings remain competitive in many seasons.
  • Leadership:
    • Thielen was known as a strong leader in the locker room, mentoring younger receivers and setting an example with his approach to the game.
  • Undrafted Success:
    • His success story is often cited as an example of perseverance and hard work, proving that talent can be recognized regardless of one’s status coming into the league.

Summary

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • NFL Teams: Minnesota Vikings (2013–2022), Carolina Panthers (2023–Present)
  • Career Length: 10+ seasons (as of 2023)
  • Pro Bowls: 1 (2017)
  • Notable: Known for his route running, hands, and ability to perform in clutch situations, Thielen is one of the most respected wide receivers in the NFL.

Adam Thielen’s journey from undrafted free agent to Pro Bowl wide receiver is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and skill. He remains a key figure in both the Minnesota Vikings’ history and the NFL, with his leadership and consistent playmaking leaving a lasting legacy.