SKOL Forever: Celebrating Adam Thielen’s Moments As A MN Viking

With the Minnesota Vikings waiving Detroit Lakes-native, former Minnesota State Mankato Maverick, Adam Thielen today, it's only natural to go back and revisit his time with the hometown team. Here are some pictures of Adam in purple from his two stints with the Vikings, and some of his eye-popping stats during his time with the Vikings.

From Detroit Lakes to Mankato, Greater MN, Understood Adam

Whether you were able to watch Adam play during his time in Detroit Lakes or had the opportunity to see him play during his college career playing for Minnesota State Mankato, many Greater Minnesotans understood the work ethic it took to stand out on the football field.

That's what makes Adam Thielen so relatable to many Minnesotans. He went undrafted in 2013 before being signed to the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad, where he spent the entire 2013 season. It wasn't until the next year that Adam made the 53-man roster and his professional playing career really started.

2014-2022 An Amazing Run In Purple

From 2014 to 2022, Adam Thielen played for his home team, the Minnesota Vikings, and what a run that time was. From his first caught pass in a week 5 loss to the Packers, to his week 13 Special Teams Player of the Week award for blocking and returning a punt for a TD, his first year was memorable for many, as he was 'one of us'.

While Adam wasn't the guy who caught the Minneapolis Miracle he was on that team that captured magic for a large chunk of the season, and of course, who couldn't forget the first 8 games of 2018, where he had more than 100 yards receiving, which broke the NFL record for consecutive games with 100+ yards receiving to start a season in NFL history.

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2023-2024 Carolina Panthers

For both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Adam Thielen played for the Carolina Panthers. While his time there wasn't as magical as it was in Minnesota, it led to his homecoming this past August when the Vikings traded for him to come home, for what everyone thought would be his last professional season. (He confirmed that today in his statement after being released by the Vikings)

2025 Homecoming & A Season To Forget

Thielen just didn't seem to mesh with the cavalcade of QBs this season; he was waived by request, with only 8 receptions for 69 yards. For as much excitement as there was for fans, the hype just didn't seem to match the on-field production.

Adam Thielen In Pictures

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