Adam Thielen makes a powerful statement about his final season with the Vikings.

Thielen considered retiring after watching his contribution to the Vikings’ offense decline throughout the 2023 campaign.

Thielen admitted that he thought about quitting football at various points during the previous season and added, “I’d be lying if there wasn’t thoughts at some points.”.

But after I really prayed about it and discussed it with my wife, I felt like I still had a lot to give to this game, Thielen, who is now with the Carolina Panthers, said in a Wednesday news conference.
“That’s not just meaning on the football field, necessarily. That follows simply from being in the locker room.
I just feel like God put me in the locker room for a purpose other than to go on the field and score goals.
“.

Thielen’s faith and leadership have brought him to Carolina, where he will host the Vikings on Sunday in a game that must be won by both of their winless squads.
Beyond the locker room, his influence is felt.

This season, the native of Minnesota has led the Panthers with 17 receptions for 200 yards and two touchdowns. Thielen became the oldest player in Carolina franchise history to surpass 10 receptions and 100 yards receiving in a single game after catching 11 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown last week against the Seattle Seahawks.

Adam Thielen Is Thrilled to Reconnect With The Vikings.

While Thielen remained professional and insisted that Sunday would be just another game in his 11-year career, he could not help but be excited to see old friends.

Yes, I have been considering that ever since the schedule was revealed. Was thrilled that I would be playing Minnesota, yes.
I realize that sounds very corny, but I’m just trying to approach it like another football game, Thielen said.
“I’m going to take advantage of pregame.
Go tell everyone you know in the team what’s going on.
After all, I spent ten years there, and as a result, I developed many solid relationships with people, many of whom I am eager to see again to greet, thank, and express my gratitude.

Then, when that whistle sounds and I enter those boundaries, I begin playing football as I do each and every week.
“.

Adam Thielen’s Impact, according to Kirk Cousins.

Nearly six years have passed since Kirk Cousins and Thielen played on the same field in opposing jerseys, a memory Cousins still clearly recalls.

“I didn’t perform well the last time I faced him in a game in 2017. He had a big day,” Cousins said in reference to Thielen’s eight receptions for 166 yards and a touchdown in the Vikings’ 38-30 victory over Washington in 2017.
He is a fantastic player.
I’ve been a long-time beneficiary of that.
He’s a great addition to Carolina, and he still has a lot of good football left in him.

“We must keep him under control.
We’ll have different interests on Sunday for the first time in about six years, but I’ll always be rooting for him,” Cousins said with a grin.

Cousins believes that despite Thielen’s absence from his native state, his roots will never leave.

He’ll have an effect on this neighborhood forever.
After his playing career is over, he’ll still be around and be a name you’ll recognize because he’s a person who will stick around and make a difference, according to Cousins.