Adam Thielen has returned to the Minnesota Vikings following a trade with the Carolina Panthers, rejoining the team where he began his National Football League career. The deal brings Thielen and two future draft picks back to Minnesota in exchange for a pair of later-round selections.
Thielen kept Minnesota as his offseason home while playing for the Panthers and continued participating in local workouts. His chemistry with new Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was established during informal sessions earlier in the summer.
“What stood out to Thielen immediately was McCarthy’s work ethic, mindset and communications skill, even in an informal session involving players on different teams,” Thielen said on Thursday after arriving at Vikings headquarters. “When we were working out together, there was no thought of actually playing together (…) But at the time, I had so much respect for him and how he approaches the game, even in the summer months when you don’t really have to do those things.”
Thielen holds the third-most catches in Vikings history behind Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinees Cris Carter and Randy Moss. He expressed surprise at returning to the franchise.
“I just didn’t think that this was even a possibility. I thought the next time that I would be talking to you guys would be when I was signing a one-day contract and retiring, so this is pretty surreal (…) I’m going to take advantage of every second I’m going to be back in this building,” said Thielen.
Reflecting on his time with Carolina, Thielen clarified he did not intend to leave but valued his experience there. “We grew a lot closer as a family, having to kind of do this little adventure on our own (…) Our whole time in Minnesota, we had family, friends, loved ones right here,” Thielen said.
Thielen also commented on reuniting with teammates such as wide receiver Justin Jefferson: “It’s like you never left, like it was yesterday. And that’s how I felt with Justin. It was like we’ve never been on a different team (…) I love that guy to death and have so much respect for him on and off the field, and we have such a great relationship. It’s good to be back.”
With some uncertainty regarding other receivers’ availability due to injury or suspension as the season approaches, Thielen is expected to play alongside Jefferson at wide receiver.
“I’m going to make sure this emotion doesn’t just fade away (…) It’s going to be hopefully something that lasts my entire time here, just how appreciative I am to be here,” said Thielen.
The regular season begins Sept. 8 at Chicago for Minnesota.
