Adam Thielen is an American professional football wide receiver currently playing for the Carolina Panthers in the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 22, 1990, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Thielen began his football journey at Detroit Lakes High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and golf. He earned All-conference and All-state honors in football during his senior year and was also part of the state championship-winning golf team.
Thielen continued his football career at Minnesota State University, where he played for the Mavericks from 2009 to 2012. Despite not being selected in the 2013 NFL Draft, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent. Over ten seasons with the Vikings, Thielen set multiple records, including tying the record for the most consecutive games with over 100 receiving yards (8 games) in 2018. He was named to the Pro Bowl twice (2017, 2018) and earned a Second-team All-Pro selection in 2017.
In March 2023, Thielen signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Carolina Panthers. He made an immediate impact, recording multiple games with over 100 receiving yards, including an 11-catch, 145-yard performance against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3. He finished the 2023 season with 103 receptions for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns, marking his first 100-catch and 1,000-yard season since 2018.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Thielen is known for his philanthropy. In 2018, he and his wife, Caitlin, established the Adam Thielen Foundation, which focuses on educating and inspiring individuals to achieve their dreams. The foundation organizes annual youth camps, providing participants with football training and personal development sessions.
Thielen’s journey from being an undrafted player to becoming a record-setting NFL wide receiver exemplifies dedication and resilience, making him a respected figure both on and off the field.