NFL Man of the Year Nominees | Panthers | NFL.com

Adam Thielen

CAROLINA PANTHERS

EXCELLENCE ON THE FIELD

With eight catches for 109 yards and a touchdown in three games, Thielen's time on the field this season has been limited, but his impact on the game has never been greater as he embodies a veteran leader in a room of young receivers. Thielen's calm demeanor and leadership style has helped pave the way for the group to shine, including 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette and undrafted free agent Jalen Coker. With his mentorship and guidance, the Panthers are the only team in the NFL with two wide receivers in the top 15 for rookie receiving yards, with Legette ranking ninth (244) and Coker eleventh (222), and receiving first downs, Legette is eighth (15) and Coker is ninth (13). Legette is also tied for third among rookies in receiving touchdowns (4). In 2023, Thielen had one of the best seasons in a wide receiver's inaugural campaign with the Carolina Panthers. He recorded 103 catches for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns, becoming just the fourth player in Panthers history, and first player in their first season with the team, to record at least 100 receptions and 1,000 yards in a season. Thielen also finished tied for third in team history in receptions in a single season and tied for first among wide receivers. Thielen entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2013. Among undrafted players in the common-draft era, he ranks fourth all-time in receiving touchdowns (60) and first downs (402), fifth in catches (645) and sixth in receiving yards (7,805).

POSITIVE CHARACTER & A LIFESTYLE OF GIVING BACK

Adam's dedication to his community continues to evolve with ongoing projects. His continued focus on uplifting communities wherever he is reflects his commitment to not only addressing immediate needs, but also creating lasting, positive change. Adam's involvement in these efforts speaks to his deep-rooted commitment to making a difference. Through his Foundation's partnerships, financial support, and hands-on involvement, he has shown an exceptional level of dedication to improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities over the years. Adam has been recognized previously as a nominee for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award (2023) and Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award (2022). He is also the winner of the Vikings Community Man of the Year Award (2022) and NFLPA Week 2 Community MVP (2021). These accolades reflect the depth of Adam's commitment and the enduring impact of his philanthropic efforts.

DEDICATION & COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY EFFORTS

THIS YEAR

In 2024, Adam and the Thielen Foundation focused on creating opportunities for underserved youth in Minnesota, North Carolina, and beyond through sports, education, mental health support, and community. His efforts aim to remove barriers and provide resources that foster growth, leadership, and resilience and the organization is on track to donate over $800,000 in 2024 with $793,670 already donated. The Foundation provided funding for youth sports programs in both Minnesota and North Carolina, ensuring kids in underserved communities had access to equipment, mentorship, and safe spaces to play. In 2024, the Foundation donated to local football leagues, basketball programs, and other sports initiatives, covering the cost of equipment and participation fees for families in need. Notable contributions include $5,000 to MN Panthers Youth Football and $5,000 to I Got Next Youth Sports in Charlotte, NC. These efforts helped hundreds of youth engage in sports, promoting physical fitness and teamwork. The Foundation also prioritized mental health and wellness for youth facing behavioral health challenges pledging $10,000 to Children's Minnesota to support mental health programs for kids and $10,000 to Nexas Gerard Family Healing for fitness and wellness programs for residential youth dealing with mental illness. These contributions provided critical resources for youth to access counseling and health services. Additionally, in 2024, the foundation renovated two high school weight rooms—Como Park High School in St. Paul, MN, and Mallard Creek High School in Charlotte, NC—ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have access to modern fitness facilities. The Foundation also awarded $41,000 in
scholarships to 41 student-athletes and provided school supplies to 1,000 students in need through Vivacity Tech. With a total of $793,670 pledged in 2024, the Thielen Foundation continues to invest in youth development through scholarships, sports, wellness programs, and community support. By empowering young people and fostering opportunities for growth, Adam and his Foundation are building stronger communities and creating lasting change.

IN YEARS PAST

The Thielen Foundation has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enriching communities through a diverse array of charitable efforts, significantly impacting the lives of countless individuals across multiple states over the past several years. From empowering underprivileged youth to supporting mental health initiatives, Adam's dedication to improving the lives of others has been evident in every aspect of his community outreach. The Foundation hosts annual holiday campaigns, such as the Thanksgiving Turkey Drive with the Salvation Army and the Christmas Gift Donation Program. Both have reached thousands of families in need, and they regularly partner with local organizations like Crisis Assistance Ministry and Panther's team initiatives such as Joy to the Carolinas to provide holiday meals and support for underprivileged families. Thielen has also become a vocal advocate for mental health, with notable donations like the $100,000 contribution to Masonic Children's Hospital for youth mental health programs and funding for the Thielen Foundation Workout Room at the same hospital in 2022. These efforts demonstrate Adam's passion for ensuring children and families have access to resources that help improve their mental well-being, particularly during difficult times. Thielen's commitment to youth sports is evident in his sponsorship of youth football camps across Minnesota, where he inspires the next generation of athletes to strive for greatness both on and off the field. The various Thielen Foundation Youth Football Camps that are held across the state every year provide thousands of kids with opportunities to learn, grow, and engage in positive activities that empower them for the future. Incorporating sports into all parts of the Foundation's mission, Thielen even hosted a Home Run Derby and Softball Game as a fundraiser for the organization in 2022. In North Carolina, the Foundation raised funds for a weight room renovation at Harding High School in 2023. While in Minnesota, the Foundation has provided scholarships, supplies, and even funded new football field lights at Brooklyn
Center High School. Lastly, Adam's contributions during the pandemic underscore his ability to act quickly when the community needed it most. The Thielen Foundation's COVID-19 relief efforts included donations totaling $100,000 to combat food insecurity and support families and children who were most affected by the crisis. Additionally, Adam played a pivotal role in organizing fundraising events such as the Radio-Thon for Covid Relief, which directly benefited children facing hunger due to school closures.