Former Minnesota Viking is Nominated for NFL Man of the Year

Everybody loves a good sports story, especially if it pertains to their hometown or state. One of the better stories coming out of Minnesota in the last 15 years is the story of Detroit Lakes native Adam Thielen. 

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The undrafted free agent goes from playing Division Two College Football at Minnesota State to playing for his home NFL team, The Minnesota Vikings. Then in 2023, Thielen left the Vikings and went south to the Carolina Panthers. 

No matter how you feel about his departure from The Vikings, Adam Thielen is still a favorite son in Minnesota. 

One of the main reasons is the many ways he and his wife Caitlyn give back. They oversee “The Thielen Foundation” and support children with scholarships and encouragement to achieve their fullest potential. 

The foundation also supports groups that help those in need so they can get into a better place.  

The organization still supports efforts here in Minnesota but has expanded their reach into the Carolinas with their move to Charlotte.   

From the early days of arriving with the Panthers, the Thielen’s became a contributing member of the community there. One of the most impactful efforts was the renovation of the weight room for Charlotte Area High School.  

All of the good works that Adam Thielen has been a part of for sure haven’t gone unnoticed in Minnesota or North Carolina, and now the NFL is noticing too.  

The Carolina Panthers announced yesterday that Adam Thielen is their Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. Each NFL team has a player each year that is recognized for their accomplishments off the field.  

Thielen will wear a decal on his helmet the rest of the season indicating he is his team's nominee. 

The winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year will be announced the Thursday before the Super Bowl in early February.