Adam Thielen

Adam Thielen: biography

Adam Thielen is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League (NFL).

Childhood and youth

Adam Thielen was born on August 22, 1990 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, where he grew up and attended Detroit Lakes High School. He played both football and basketball in high school, and was a standout athlete in both sports.

In football, Thielen was a two-way player, playing both wide receiver and defensive back. He earned All-Conference honors in his junior and senior seasons and was named the team's Most Valuable Player in his senior year.

Thielen initially attended Minnesota State University, Mankato as a walk-on to the football team, where he redshirted his freshman year. He gradually worked his way onto the team and became a starting wide receiver by his junior year.

Thielen's college career was marked by hard work and determination, and he caught the attention of NFL scouts with his impressive performances on the field. Despite going undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft, Thielen's strong work ethic and natural talent eventually earned him a spot on the Minnesota Vikings' roster as an undrafted free agent.

Football career

Adam Thielen's football career began when he signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He initially spent time on the practice squad but eventually worked his way onto the active roster and made his NFL debut in 2014.

Thielen's breakout season came in 2016, when he recorded 69 receptions for 967 yards and 5 touchdowns. He established himself as a reliable target for Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford and earned his first Pro Bowl selection. Thielen followed up his breakout season with another Pro Bowl selection in 2017, recording 91 receptions for 1,276 yards and 4 touchdowns.

In 2018, Thielen continued to be a key part of the Vikings' offense, recording 113 receptions for 1,373 yards and 9 touchdowns. He was named a Second-Team All-Pro for his performance that season. Thielen's success continued in 2019, despite missing time with a hamstring injury. He recorded 30 receptions for 418 yards and 6 touchdowns in just 10 games.

In 2020, Thielen had a career year, recording 74 receptions for 925 yards and 14 touchdowns, which tied for the second-most in the league. He played a vital role in the Vikings' offense and earned his fourth Pro Bowl selection.

In the 2021 season, Thielen continued to be a reliable target for the Vikings. He recorded 48 receptions for 691 yards and 7 touchdowns in the first 10 games of the season, before suffering an ankle injury that ended his season prematurely. Despite missing the final seven games of the season, Thielen still finished with the second-most receiving touchdowns on the team, behind only Justin Jefferson.

In 2022-early 2023 Adam continues to be Vikings’ all-time leader in catches, receiving touchdowns and yardage.

Thielen's success as an NFL wide receiver is due in part to his work ethic and dedication to the sport. He is known for his precise route running, strong hands, and ability to make contested catches. He has also developed a strong connection with Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has praised Thielen's work ethic and leadership on the field.

Personal life

Adam Thielen is a family man. He married his high school sweetheart, Caitlin, in 2015, and they have three children together. The couple is known for their strong bond and support of each other's careers. Caitlin has been actively involved in the Thielen Foundation, which they founded together in 2018.

Thielen is also a devout Christian and has credited his faith for helping him overcome challenges throughout his football career. He has been involved in various Christian organizations and has used his platform to spread positivity and kindness.

In his free time, Thielen enjoys hunting and fishing. He is an avid outdoorsman and often shares pictures of his hunting and fishing trips on social media. He has also been involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting outdoor recreation and conservation.

Honors and achievements

• Two-time Pro Bowl selection (2017, 2018)
• Second-team All-Pro (2017)
• Minnesota Vikings team record for most receiving yards in a single season (1,373 in 2018)
• NFL receiving touchdowns leader (2018)
• NFL receiving yards leader (2020)
• Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee (2020)
• Minnesota State Mavericks team record for most receptions in a single season (74 in 2012) and most receiving yards in a single season (1,176 in 2012)
• Named to the Minnesota State Mavericks Hall of Fame (2018)