Adam Thielen is an American football wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers. He played college football at Minnesota State before signing with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He played ten seasons for the Vikings. During his time in the NFL, Thielen achieved several records, including eight consecutive games with over 100 receiving yards and 74 receptions in the first half of a season. Thielen's career demonstrates perseverance and success in professional football after starting as an undrafted player.
Adam Thielen was born on August 22, 1990.
In 2008, Adam Thielen helped his high school football team achieve a 9-1 season and won a state championship with the golf team.
Adam Thielen redshirted the 2008 season at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
In 2009, Thielen played in nine games as a freshman, catching 21 passes for 252 yards and a touchdown.
In 2010, Thielen started all 11 games and was named Minnesota State's Offensive Player of the Year.
In 2011, Percy Harvin had the most receiving yards by a Viking before Thielen's 202-yard game in 2016.
In 2011, Thielen started all 12 games and was named a second-team All-NSIC South Division selection.
In 2012, Thielen led Minnesota State's receiving corps with 74 receptions for 1,176 yards and eight touchdowns, helping the Mavericks to a 13-1 record and a spot in the NCAA Semi-finals.
On May 6, 2013, Thielen signed a three-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent.
On August 31, 2013, Thielen was waived by the Vikings but signed to the practice squad the following day.
In 2013, Adam Thielen signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent after playing college football at Minnesota State.
In 2013, Thielen performed well at the Regional and Super Regional Combines, impressing scouts with his speed and agility.
Thielen earned a spot on the 53-man roster for the 2014 season.
Thielen was named the Vikings Special Teams Player of the Year for the 2015 season.
On January 3, 2016, Thielen made significant contributions, including a 41-yard run on a fake punt, in the Vikings' win against the Packers to clinch the NFC North title.
On December 24, 2016, Thielen had a career day with 202 receiving yards and two touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers.
In 2016, Thielen had a breakout season with 967 receiving yards and was named the Vikings' "Unsung Hero" by NFL.com.
On March 15, 2017, Thielen signed a three-year contract extension with the Vikings.
On September 11, 2017, Adam Thielen started the season strong with nine receptions for 157 yards against the New Orleans Saints.
Adam Thielen was named to his first Pro Bowl on December 19, 2017.
In 2018, Adam Thielen had a remarkable season, achieving several milestones including eight consecutive games with 100+ receiving yards. He finished the season with 113 receptions, 1,373 yards, and nine touchdowns.
On April 12, 2019, Adam Thielen signed a four-year, $64 million contract extension with the Vikings.
Adam Thielen was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on November 23, 2020, making him unavailable for the Week 12 game.
Adam Thielen was activated from the COVID-19 list on December 2, 2020.
Adam Thielen was placed on injured reserve on December 29, 2021, due to an ankle injury.
In 2022, Adam Thielen started all 17 games, recording 70 catches for 716 yards and six touchdowns.
On March 10, 2023, the Vikings released Adam Thielen.
On March 19, 2023, Adam Thielen signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Carolina Panthers.