Career Timeline of Adam Thielen: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Adam Thielen built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Adam Thielen is an American professional football wide receiver currently playing for the Carolina Panthers. Before joining the Panthers, he played ten seasons with the Minnesota Vikings after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He played college football at Minnesota State. Thielen holds NFL records, including a streak of eight consecutive games with over 100 receiving yards and 74 receptions in the first half of a season, highlighting his performance and impact in the league.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2008: Redshirting at Minnesota State

In 2008, Adam Thielen redshirted the season at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

2009: Freshman Season at Minnesota State

In 2009, during his freshman season at Minnesota State University, Mankato, Adam Thielen played in nine games and caught 21 passes for 252 yards and a touchdown.

2009: Since Sidney Rice in 2009

In 2017, Adam Thielen became the first Vikings receiver to surpass the 1,000-yard mark since Sidney Rice in 2009.

2010: Offensive Player of the Year

In 2010, Adam Thielen started in all 11 games as a sophomore and was named Minnesota State's Offensive Player of the Year in addition to the All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) South Division second-team after he led the team with 41 receptions for 686 yards and six touchdowns.

2011: Comparison to Percy Harvin

December 24, 2016, Adam Thielen's performance against the Packers of 202 receiving yards was the most receiving yards by a Viking since Percy Harvin in 2011.

2011: All-NSIC South Division Selection

In 2011, Adam Thielen started all 12 games and was a second-team All-NSIC South Division selection for the second-straight season as he hauled in 62 passes for 715 yards and five touchdowns on offense and also handled kick return (three kicks for 77 yards and a score) and punt return duties (22 punts for 217 yards).

2012: Mavericks to NCAA Semi-finals

During the 2012 season, Adam Thielen was the main target for Minnesota State's passing attack and was again the team's starting kick and punt returner, helping the Mavericks to a 13–1 record, as they advanced to the NCAA Semi-finals. He led the Minnesota State receiving corps with 74 receptions for a total of 1,176 yards (15.9 avg) and eight touchdowns.

May 6, 2013: Signed by the Vikings

On May 6, 2013, Adam Thielen signed a three-year, $1.48 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent.

August 31, 2013: Waived and Signed to Practice Squad

On August 31, 2013, the Minnesota Vikings waived Adam Thielen as part of their final roster cuts, but he was signed to the practice squad the next day.

2013: Regional and Super Regional Combines

In 2013, Adam Thielen attended a Regional Combine in Chicago and later the Super Regional Combine in Dallas, Texas, showcasing his athletic abilities.

2013: Thielen Signs with the Vikings

In 2013, Adam Thielen signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent. He played for them for ten seasons.

2014: Earning a Roster Spot

In 2014, after a strong preseason performance, Adam Thielen earned a spot on the Minnesota Vikings' 53-man roster to start the season.

2015: Special Teams Player of the Year

In 2015, Adam Thielen was honored as the Vikings Special Teams Player of the Year.

January 3, 2016: Fake Punt and NFC North Title

On January 3, 2016, during the regular season finale against the Packers, Adam Thielen ran for 41 yards on a fake punt and totaled 67 rushing yards, helping the Vikings clinch the NFC North title.

December 24, 2016: 202-Yard Performance

On December 24, 2016, Adam Thielen had a career day with a 202-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Packers, marking the fifth 200-yard receiving performance in Vikings history.

2016: Leading the Vikings in Receiving Yards

In 2016, Adam Thielen led the Vikings with 967 receiving yards, along with a career-high 69 catches and five touchdowns. He was named NFL.com's "Unsung Hero" for the Minnesota Vikings.

March 15, 2017: Contract Extension

On March 15, 2017, Adam Thielen signed a three-year contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings.

September 11, 2017: Strong Season Opener

On September 11, 2017, in the season opener against the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football, Adam Thielen started the season off strong with nine receptions for 157 yards.

December 19, 2017: First Pro Bowl Selection

On December 19, 2017, Adam Thielen was named to his first Pro Bowl.

2018: Record Breaking Season

In 2018, Adam Thielen broke the record for most consecutive 100-yard games to start a season in NFL history. Overall, he finished the 2018 season with 113 receptions for 1,373 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns.

2018: Ranked #36 on NFL Top 100

In 2018, Adam Thielen was ranked #36 by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.

April 12, 2019: Contract Extension

On April 12, 2019, Adam Thielen signed a four-year, $64 million contract extension with the Vikings, keeping him under contract through the 2024 season.

2019: Ranked #33 on NFL Top 100

In 2019, Adam Thielen was ranked #33 by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.

December 2, 2020: Activated from Reserve/COVID-19 List

On December 2, 2020, Adam Thielen was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

December 29, 2021: Placed on injured reserve

On December 29, 2021, Adam Thielen was placed on injured reserve due to an aggravated ankle injury that required surgery.

2021: Ranked #80 on NFL Top 100

In 2021, Adam Thielen was ranked #80 by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.

March 10, 2023: Vikings released Thielen

On March 10, 2023, the Vikings released Adam Thielen as a salary cap move.

March 19, 2023: Thielen signed with the Panthers

On March 19, 2023, Adam Thielen signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Panthers.

2024: Contract Through 2024

On April 12, 2019, Adam Thielen signed a four-year, $64 million contract extension with the Vikings, keeping him under contract through the 2024 season.