34 Facts About Adam Thielen

Early Life and Background

Adam Thielen's journey to the NFL is a story of perseverance and hard work. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about his early life and background.

1. Born on August 22, 1990, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Thielen grew up in a small town with a population of just over 8,000 people.
2. Thielen attended Detroit Lakes High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and golf.
3. Despite his athletic prowess, Thielen did not receive any Division I scholarship offers for football, leading him to play at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
4. At Minnesota State, Thielen majored in management, balancing his academic responsibilities with his commitment to the football team.
5. Thielen's college career saw him achieve 198 receptions, 2,802 receiving yards, and 20 touchdowns, making him one of the top players in the school's history.

College Career Highlights

Thielen's time at Minnesota State University, Mankato, was marked by impressive performances and significant achievements.

6. In his senior year, Thielen was named to the All-NSIC South Division First Team, recognizing his outstanding contributions on the field.
7. Thielen helped lead the Mavericks to a 13-1 record in his final season, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
8. During his college career, Thielen also excelled as a punt returner, adding another dimension to his game.
9. Thielen's performance at Minnesota State caught the attention of NFL scouts, despite the school's lower profile compared to Division I programs.

Path to the NFL

Thielen's journey to the NFL was unconventional, filled with challenges and determination.

10. Thielen went undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft, a setback that could have ended his professional aspirations.
11. He attended a regional NFL combine in Chicago, where he impressed scouts with his athleticism and skills.
12. Thielen earned an invitation to the Minnesota Vikings' rookie minicamp, where he seized the opportunity to showcase his talents.
13. After a strong showing at the minicamp, Thielen signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in May 2013.
14. Thielen spent his rookie season on the Vikings' practice squad, honing his skills and preparing for his chance to make the active roster.

Breakout Season and NFL Success

Thielen's persistence paid off as he transitioned from an undrafted free agent to a key player for the Minnesota Vikings.

15. Thielen made the Vikings' active roster in 2014, primarily contributing on special teams.
16. In 2016, Thielen had his breakout season, recording 69 receptions for 967 yards and five touchdowns.
17. Thielen's performance in 2016 earned him a three-year contract extension with the Vikings, solidifying his place on the team.
18. In 2017, Thielen became the first Vikings receiver since Randy Moss to record over 1,000 receiving yards in a season.
19. Thielen was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2017, recognizing his exceptional performance throughout the season.
20. Thielen set an NFL record in 2018 by recording eight consecutive games with 100 or more receiving yards to start the season.
21. Thielen finished the 2018 season with 113 receptions, 1,373 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns, earning his second Pro Bowl selection.

Personal Life and Off the Field

Beyond his football career, Thielen is known for his contributions to his community and his dedication to his family.

22. Thielen married his college sweetheart, Caitlin, in 2015, and the couple has three children together.
23. Thielen and his wife founded the Thielen Foundation in 2018, aiming to create programs that serve, educate, and inspire individuals to reach their full potential.
24. The Thielen Foundation has donated significant funds to various causes, including youth sports programs and educational initiatives.
25. Thielen is an avid golfer, often participating in charity golf tournaments during the NFL offseason.
26. Thielen's work ethic and dedication to his craft have made him a role model for aspiring athletes, particularly those from small towns and lesser-known schools.

Records and Achievements

Thielen's career is marked by numerous records and achievements, showcasing his impact on the field.

27. Thielen holds the Vikings' record for the most consecutive games with a reception, a testament to his consistency and reliability.
28. In 2020, Thielen became the fastest player in Vikings history to reach 300 career receptions.
29. Thielen has multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons, highlighting his ability to produce at a high level year after year.
30. Thielen's 14 receiving touchdowns in 2020 tied for the most in the NFL, demonstrating his knack for finding the end zone.
31. Thielen has been named NFC Offensive Player of the Week multiple times, recognizing his standout performances in individual games.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Let's wrap up with some fun and lesser-known facts about Adam Thielen.

32. Thielen's favorite NFL player growing up was Cris Carter, a former Vikings wide receiver and Hall of Famer.
33. Thielen's jersey number, 19, was chosen because it was the number he wore in college.
34. Thielen is known for his pre-game ritual of eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a tradition he has maintained since his college days.

Adam Thielen: A Remarkable Journey

Adam Thielen's story is nothing short of inspiring. From undrafted free agent to NFL star, his journey shows that hard work and determination can lead to incredible success. Thielen's dedication to his craft, combined with his natural talent, has made him one of the most reliable wide receivers in the league. His impressive stats, numerous records, and community involvement highlight his impact both on and off the field. Whether you're a football fan or not, Thielen's story is a testament to perseverance and the power of believing in oneself. As he continues to make plays and break records, there's no doubt that Adam Thielen's legacy will be remembered for years to come. Keep an eye on this remarkable athlete; his journey is far from over.