Reflecting on Adam Thielen’s career
By: Jake Rajala
Adam Thielen is one of the best undrafted players of all time. He wasn’t meant to be special, coming out of Minnesota State. Well, it’s safe to say the Minnesota Vikings made the right choice by adding Thielen in 2014.
Thielen was a modest WR4 or WR5 in his first couple of seasons. He rose to prominence in 2016 by unleashing 967 yards and five touchdowns. He really heated up in 2017 and 2018, as he made the Pro Bowl in each season. The scrappy, sure-handed WR proved to be effective in 2020 by notching 925 yards in 15 games.
Thielen left the Twin Cities in 2023, to the Carolina Panthers. He proved to be effective in 2023, by unleashing yet another 1k yard season. So, he was a stud for two teams. Was he perfect? No. I would have liked to see him win a Super Bowl.
Well, I’m sure everybody saw that Thielen was cut by the Vikings today. It’s widely reported that he wants to join a playoff contender. I could imagine that he joins a team like the New England Patriots or the Denver Broncos. Either of those teams could get the one seed in the AFC.
Since Thielen is on his last legs and he will very likely retire after this season, a fascinating question is: Should Thielen be in the Vikings Hall of Fame? I most certainly believe he will. All he has done is rank third in receptions and receiving yards. He also has the record for consecutive 100 yard receiving games, which is eight. Still, I don’t imagine he will be in the Ring of Honor. I wouldn’t compare him to Chris Carter or Randy Moss. He wasn’t quite able to add to his Vikings resume this season, obviously.
At least Thielen is an inspiration for D2 and D3 players to seek playing at the Pro level. Undrafted players should also stay patient if they don’t play at all early in their careers.
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