Adam Thielen may be a seasoned NFL veteran and a key piece of the Carolina Panthers’ wide receiver corps, but on a sunny summer day in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, he wasn’t catching touchdown passes or navigating coverage schemes. Instead, he was high-fiving kids, adjusting cones for agility drills, and kneeling beside young athletes to offer encouragement one-on-one. To the hundreds of children who showed up for his annual youth football camp, Thielen wasn’t just a pro athlete. He was one of them — a hometown hero who never forgot where he came from.
Returning to his roots in Detroit Lakes, the place that helped shape both the man and the player he would become, Thielen hosted his annual youth football camp with a simple mission: to give back. The event drew kids from across Minnesota and neighboring states, all eager to meet the Panthers receiver and soak up wisdom from one of the NFL’s most improbable success stories.
At 33, Thielen continues to defy the odds. After going undrafted in 2013 and beginning his NFL journey with the Minnesota Vikings as a special teams player, he eventually worked his way up to become a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the league’s most reliable receivers. Last season, his first with the Panthers, Thielen posted 1,014 receiving yards and six touchdowns — proof that even in the later stages of his career, his production and leadership remain valuable.
But it’s off the field where Thielen’s impact often resonates deepest, particularly in the community that raised him.
“There’s nothing like coming home,” Thielen said during a break in camp. “I remember being one of these kids, just looking up to anyone who played college or pro ball. I didn’t know then if I’d make it, but I had dreams. Now I get to help others dream big, too.”
The camp, held at Detroit Lakes High School — Thielen’s alma mater — spanned two days and featured dozens of drills focusing on fundamentals, teamwork, and mental toughness. Kids ranging from ages 6 to 16 got the chance to run routes, catch passes, and learn from not just Thielen but a host of local coaches and volunteers, many of whom played with or coached the receiver in his younger days.
For many parents in attendance, the camp was more than a fun summer event — it was a rare opportunity for their children to interact with a living example of what perseverance, humility, and hard work can yield.
“He’s proof that you don’t have to be the biggest or fastest,” said Julie Nordstrom, a mother of two campers. “You just have to keep showing up. That’s what I love about Adam. He shows up for this community every year, no matter where he’s playing.”
Indeed, Thielen’s consistency has made his camp a summer staple in Detroit Lakes. He started it shortly after becoming a regular contributor in the Vikings’ offense, and it has only grown since. In addition to football drills, the camp also features talks about nutrition, resilience, and goal setting — all areas Thielen credits as critical in his rise from Division II college football to the NFL.
“I tell these kids the truth,” Thielen said. “No one handed me anything. I had to walk on at Minnesota State. I didn’t get drafted. I didn’t get a big contract right away. I earned every rep, every snap, every dollar. And I still work like I’m that undrafted kid, because that mentality never leaves you.”
The kids listened — rapt, in some cases — as Thielen shared stories of late-night workouts, countless setbacks, and moments of doubt. But what came through most clearly was his belief in the power of community.
He emphasized how teachers, coaches, and neighbors in Detroit Lakes had played vital roles in his development — not just as an athlete, but as a person. He credited his parents for keeping him grounded and instilling in him a work ethic that became the foundation for his professional life.
“The NFL is great, but character lasts a lifetime,” he told one group of campers. “Your name, your work ethic, your attitude — those things matter every day, whether you play football or not.”
Beyond football, the camp also serves as a fundraiser for the Thielen Foundation, which supports youth development and mental health initiatives across the country. This year’s event raised more than $100,000, all of which will go toward youth sports programs and community support initiatives in underserved areas.
“It’s more than just football,” said Caitlin Thielen, Adam’s wife and co-founder of the foundation. “We’re trying to create opportunities, give resources, and build confidence in young people. Adam’s story is inspiring, but we want every kid to believe their story can be just as powerful — in sports or whatever they choose.”
While most of the day was devoted to drills and games, Thielen also made time for autographs and photos, signing everything from Panthers jerseys to school notebooks. He posed for selfies, cracked jokes, and offered words of encouragement to any camper who asked.
One young boy, wearing a faded Vikings No. 19 jersey, nervously approached Thielen and asked if he could still root for him even though he now plays for the Panthers. Thielen smiled and leaned in.
“You can root for both teams,” he said with a grin. “That’s what I do.”
It was a small moment, but it captured the essence of the event — and of Thielen himself. Despite all his success, he remains approachable, humble, and fiercely loyal to his roots.
His return to Detroit Lakes also provided a unique opportunity for local businesses and schools to celebrate one of their own. Thielen visited his former elementary school before the camp’s first day, reading to students and reminding them that dreams can start small — even in a quiet lakeside town in Minnesota.
Later that evening, the city honored him with a commemorative plaque at the community center, recognizing both his athletic achievements and his continued investment in the region’s youth.
Mayor Brenna Carlson summed it up best during the brief ceremony: “Adam is the kind of person every town hopes to raise. Talented, generous, grounded, and committed to giving back. He’s not just a star athlete — he’s a role model for generations to come.”
With another successful camp behind him, Thielen now turns his attention back to the NFL. The Panthers are counting on him to help guide their young quarterback, Bryce Young, through a pivotal 2025 season. In a wide receiver room that’s still finding its identity, Thielen’s experience, precision, and work ethic are invaluable.
But no matter how demanding the NFL season becomes, Thielen has made it clear: he’ll always make time for Detroit Lakes.
“This is home,” he said as the camp wrapped up. “Football will end one day, but this community — these kids, this place — they’ll always be part of who I am. If I can help just one of them believe in themselves, then everything I’ve done means something.”
For the hundreds of kids who walked off the field with sore legs and wide smiles, the message was clear: in Adam Thielen, they didn’t just meet a football star. They met a living example of what it means to dream big, work hard, and never forget your roots.
And perhaps, years from now, one of them will return to that same field — not just to remember, but to inspire. Just like Thielen.
