How Adam Thielen Forged a Superstar NFL Career from NOTHING

Adam Thielen's journey to the NFL is nothing short of incredible. Growing up in a small Minnesota town and attending a Division 2 college, the odds of being able to achieve his dream of playing in the NFL were as close to impossible as anything else. But with an immense amount of work and determination, he was able to create a miracle in his home state. Watch this video to follow his amazing story from Detroit Lakes, to Minnesota State Mankato, all the way to breaking NFL records in 2018 with the Minnesota Vikings.
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Outro Song: Got Real- Splasher

[@rd-pd8xb]

Much respect to Adam Thielen from Raider Nation. What a dream to actually play for your favorite team. But this kid didn’t just dream it. He worked. And worked. And worked.

[@everyonewasstealingmynamea919]

He also played in Minnesota in college and was undrafted.

[@goatmaro9518]

The thing he learned to do that was so important to being good is not looking at the ball til the last second so the corner dosent know if it’s coming same as Moss

[@henrytimm845]

Msu Mankato is like 20 minutes south of where I live

[@inadequit]

"Other career opportunities" *shows Fitzpatrick racing a child solving a Rubix cube*

[@holdenlester]

Rubik's*

[@timothyward2082]

@@holdenlester Who Cares!

[@repothenon2706]

Superslash YT rubik is

[@Candogaming]

Nons ツ wait it’s possessive

[@austinharris8133]

dude could write a book, he basically did the impossible. got into the NFL with no scouts just dedication.

[@famousamos]

Love hearing about D-2 and D-3 guys making it to the league. Anything is possible!

[@infernowrld3249]

@zee didn’t ask

[@djquinn11]

Randy Moss

[@jaceynichols1756]

I'm not going to lie, this made me cry. Me, being a die hard Vikings fan, I can't believe how good they have been in 2019.

[@EJD339]

It’s me from the future and appreciate what you have -Vikings Fan

[@laurenpause1608]

this didn’t age well

[@diegogutierrez8136]

Thielen did this great two seasons with two different and average qbs, that it’s just more impressive

[@jaetentv]

Diego Gutierrez *3

[@diegogutierrez8136]

Trenisa Walker yeah but Bradford only played 2 games that season before get injured, so I didn’t count him 😅

[@jaetentv]

Diego Gutierrez Sam Bradford was the starting qb in 2016 when Adam got 900 yards.

[@diegogutierrez8136]

Trenisa Walker you’re right, 2 average qbs and 1 decent to good but with injury problems

[@tristanhelstrom8274]

I remember him randomly ripping it up a few times before he became a star him breaking out was 0 surprise to any Viking fans

[@FoolishBaseball]

I"MMMMMMMMMMMM HOOKED ON A THIELEN I'M HIGH ON BELIEVIN

[@retro_chicken1638]

Nice. 69 likes

[@itsjasonls7790]

Ah ah ah ah ah i got a thielen

[@ABSolom39]

Used to be I'm high on Case Keenum

[@bruhmoments413]

Nice 420 likes

[@stevenjones4497]

Loves it!

[@keiwinjamari]

SET THE EDGE HAS UPLOADED THIS MEANS 10 STRAIGHT MINUTES OF AMAZING ENTERTAINMENT KEEP IT UP

[@isaacroyall8801]

exactly

[@Lashes4Ashes]

This shows that the NFL needs a deeper developmental system outside college draft picks

[@samjupeiters]

Lashes4ashes it was the aaf but that got ruined

[@quietcorner293]

​@@samjupeiters Now I'm not betting on it but I'm hoping for the 2020 XFL to fill that role.

[@andresdelagarza8600]

Quiet Corner hmmm

[@sriramg5334]

@@andresdelagarza8600 Hey to be fair they were actually doing alright and might've legit filled that role, but RIP XFL lol

[@brandonarredondo5093]

Sriram L they coming back they have the funding

[@jesse6780]

I’m over here thinking that these NFL stars were just there this whole time. STE gives amazing backstories in such an attention-grabbing and climatic way. Love to see content from you, man.👍

[@sashrill]

as a Patriots fan i obviouly am a fan of every member of that team. but adam may be my new non pats fav player. because this man is of modest means to superstardom with primarily hard work. damn.

[@vadoom3353]

A T O M E N T same pats fan but I'm such a huge fan of thielen

[@gabrielcasta8981]

Not a pats fan but Ive got the same feeling for Edelman

[@alext.9033]

Of course you are, he's a dopeass white receiver lmao 😂

[@sashrill]

@@alext.9033 i mean. white receiver is less relevant than his underdog story. i have only the youtube algorithm to attribute for introducing me to it.

[@RowdyRowdy55]

Love this dude. Proud to be a Vikings fan.

[@liammartin3332]

Skol

[@loganpaulson6451]

Skol

[@Muffledbox]

I’m an Eagles fan but SKOL

[@vinnymagoo462]

Skol

[@ace8334]

SKOL

[@na-wk8ex]

00:15 ah that JuJu hit brings joy to my soul.

[@kaybevang536]

james webb i would love to see Bill Romanowaki get knocked out like that

[@clickbath5443]

marcus vela. Bro Lyle alzedo is

[@SaintsFan09-z3s]

It’s always the best seeing dirty players get cleaned

[@zayajazz817]

Minnesotans love Thielen. It’s always nice to see a local live it big

[@uhohretardalert7567]

I watched thielen in highschool

[@ugotmossed84]

As a lifelong Viking fan, my dream scenario would be Thielen making a walk-off Super Bowl winning catch. He and we deserve it.

[@Robotdad474]

Not even a Vikes fan, but after learning about his past, I’m a fan of him. What a story. I hope he brings nothing but success to the Vikings. Go Pats.

[@cllcccic8270]

hahahaha. yeah you already know what he thinks of belicheck and the pats

[@NolanJohnson423]

He literally lived the dream he’s such a beast

[@joshfrancis1372]

I'm a lions fan, so I know how much of a beast this guy is. Hearing his story of how he made it to the NFL is so damn cool! His passion for football and the knowledge to know how to get an opportunity is why he is in the spot he is now. Vikings fans are lucky, wish he was in Honolulu blue and silver.

[@StanleyRodgers]

I think I interviewed with that guy that they showed at Patterson Dental back in the day. So funny! Small world.

[@LordHoth_90]

Don’t you just love these simple sports Cinderella stories? Hell, I frickin love em

[@paysonfox88]

Adam Thielen will be the most beloved wide receiver of the Vikings for a long time. Any Minnesota Native that works their ass off and gets onto an NFL team bearing the name and identity of that state is worthy of praise (just for making it). However, Thielen goes far beyond that. He just didn't work hard and make the team as a starter, he's an all pro with tons of yards and 100+ catches in multiple seasons. For Receivers -- Stephan Diggs is an example of natural ability, Thielen is an example of intelligence and hard work, and guys like Larry Fitzgerald and Julio Jones are what happen when you have all 3 of these. Minnesota is blessed with 2 receivers that have in their aggregate what Larry Legend and Jerry Rice had individually.

[@evangoff256]

Even as a Lions fan, I absolutely love Adam Thielen. He is a pain for defenses.

[@quietcorner293]

I felt that way about Barry too! He was amazing to watch even when he made my Vikings look like fools. Best RB ever!!

[@qasimqureshi1230]

As an alum of Minnesota State and a die hard Vikings fan, this video makes me happy :)

[@PhDTracyWalker]

Who thumbs down this video. I'm angry at them. This guy is great. Never heard of him but great story. Could have been an entry level employee making 17 bucks and hour. Lucky guy. And hard working.

[@ddpsr]

This just gave me hope that i can still get there.....If i have to take the other route like he did? Then so be it! Never giving up on my dreams🙅🏾‍♂️💯

[@carmelobasco3369]

Work on it every single day man. Hope you can get there.

[@badlandskid]

I'm a big fan of the hard working no names that rise to the top. Thielen can put his name up there near Edelman and Brady (amongst others) who clawed their way onto a roster, a starting position and eventually to greatness.

[@ghost.patrols]

This just makes you think how many hidden gems are out there working normal jobs because they got passed over by scouts. This guy had all the talent and work ethic to be an elite receiver but if not for a lucky break he could be selling floss.

[@tylergavin401]

My panthers almost had one of my favorite WR's! Well I continue cheering on for him.

[@danielolsen9034]

Tyler Gavin ha ha loser

[@admirableadmiral32]

Daniel Olsen the only loser here is you lmao

[@danielolsen9034]

And that's because?

[@rileycanspeel9579]

Logan Paulson lol

[@MNSportsJunkie101]

Thank you every NFL team for passing on Thielen and allowing him to become a local Minnesota legend.

[@ocbee6175]

What a flex “Unfortunately I will not be able to except your offer as I am in the NFL now”

[@Gator4155]

I remember watching that vikings/panthers game when thielen blocked the punt and took it back for his first TD in the NFL. Its been a hell of a ride to watch him work and I didn't think he would top his 17-18 season last year but boy he sure did.

[@leflarbros6097]

Love your videos man can’t stop watching

[@ucantseemeverywell]

Thielen is a freaking gem. We love our hometown hero

[@jordanneedscoffee]

Holy Shit, that was awesome, subscribed. I went to Mankato (same college as Theilen) and we lost in the championship game my freshmen (his senior) year, but I didn't even know his name at the time. I thought I knew everything there was to know about Theilen by this point but you gave me more and in an awesome way to. Keep it up!

[@theeALister]

I am not a Vikings fan but I have a ton of respect for anyone who not only set goals for themselves but have the courage and persistence to consistently work at it until they achieve them. Awesome job Adam Thielen!!!

[@jimbeaux89]

Dang dude I didn’t realize how much this dude how to go through. The dude’s a stud

[@thepiperreport8198]

Not a Vikings fan but you can't help but like this guy. His dedication and motivation is something to strive for in real life. It's great seeing someone like him make it big. He earned every bit of his fame

[@sethmaki1333]

A hometown boy done good. All of us here in Northern Minnesota couldn't be prouder of #19

[@stevenallard84]

This is why the Vikings are my favorite team in the nfl

[@CarlosFranco-pt6gs]

1 minute in I can already tell how much work was put into it. Well put together

[@fartexpertable]

One of the best sports channels on youtube! glad this account is growing and keep up the good work

[@joelrossmeisl2867]

Nice on mark posting, glad others see this as well. Unique all around player never bigger than the game. Great story of a great person!

[@Timberlost]

Goes to show talent is EVERYWHERE, just have to open your eyes and find it... Another great vid. KEEP IT UP!!!

[@corona1210]

You should be working for ESPN, FOX, CBS, etc,...your videos and story telling are that good!

[@SinWithVengance]

I actually saw Adam Thielen play his senior season at Minnesota State Manakto when I was a freshman there, his hands were as advertised. He was never exceptionally fast. A super down to earth guy and hard worker. :)

[@jakegetscake4672]

I’m an eagles fan but you gotta love this guys story

[@davonlee17]

This channel kills every video... earned my sub for sure

[@ZhangtheGreat]

He's the prime example of the "American Dream": growing up to become a superstar professional athlete for the childhood team he worshiped.

[@Uncasualpackfan]

It hurts as a panthers fan to see that we were so close to signing him.

[@garrettott2250]

Holy Shnikes! 18k!?!? Congratulations man! BDTV taught you well!

[@scottjohnson1640]

Short on natural ability but big on heart, he brings a passion and enthusiasm for the game that makes me almost like the Vikings again.

[@napalmblaziken]

MORE THAN A THIELEN!!! WHEN I HEAR THAT OLD SONG PLAY IT'S MORE THAN A THIELEN!!!!

[@quincyjohns2112]

Also I love how an account with 18k subs makes better quality vids than nflfilms. Keep it up dude these are fantastic👌🏼

[@InvictusManeo77]

Love your vids man! Best NFL player focused channel on KZbin, hands down.

[@Hypocriteuser]

Your videos are awesome my dude. Like I’m fr hooked on these!!!

[@leonardshevlin7260]

He'd have been more successful in a sales career knowing that he had truly made every effort to play football for a living than if he lived knowing he could have worked harder or done more to get the opportunity.

[@breese4907]

I go to school at Mankato.... This man is a legend here haha. Everybody loves him

[@AsTheWorldSpinsAgain]

Been waiting on more Thielen videos, I knew you wouldnt let me down. Dude is one of my favorite players.

[@viningperformancemotorspor1457]

People are sleeping on this channel. Fantastic work man!

[@rahulsrigiriraju1588]

Your videos are amazing. Your channel is definitely gonna blow up soon

[@danielolsen9034]

Rahul Srigiriraju dude just no...

[@danielolsen9034]

Yes this video is amazing

[@danielolsen9034]

Rahul Srigiriraju but it won't blow up

[@pastorpresent1]

His success energizes the Vikings!

[@dannykrier]

Your a good KZbinr keep it up bro!

[@ramonjaramillo5367]

You deserve more subs😤

[@joshuahabsburg4223]

Videos like these inspire me

[@freshicecubes1466]

Probably one of the best football tales ever!

[@danielolsen9034]

Ice Cube no its not it doesn't come close to John Randle's story

[@danielolsen9034]

He was also a viking

[@freshicecubes1466]

@@danielolsen9034 True...

[@DaDualityofMan]

Man your vids are great, I watched them all in one day.

[@Cappuccino1250]

Truly one of the most amazing, under looked talents e er. You see this dude play now ? By far one of the very best in the nfl

[@deldrinemattox]

As a Packers Fan and with the Vikings being one of our rivals I’m a big fan of Adam Thielen I hope I spelled his last name right

[@hopathin5921]

Deldrine Mattox you did😂😂

[@anthonyhutchins676]

This guy is incredible! What a story

[@danstrikker6465]

As an ex D-2 athlete and a Vikings fan I will always love his story

[@robertlozoya5079]

this is crazy this guy shot straight up the charts just from putting in hard work in living in every moment .

[@robertlozoya5079]

And * , Adam is my inspiration now 🤙🏽

[@dawolyan13]

Excellent video brother! Keep em comin!

[@druw1989]

You and KTO are my fav football youtubers. Keep up the great job my friend

[@justinetipps422]

how does set the edge not have a million subscribers love the vids :D

[@bluefish8622]

Dude these are so well done always enjoy your vids

[@techie-nano]

damn, this is the type of video/report quality I would expect from a much bigger channel. Good job!

[@cvandy2252]

Damn, I knew he went to a really small school but didn't know his story was this crazy!

[@nilayshah307]

Dude’s literally a walking W. Amazing story!

[@rileyhaley3848]

Ty Adam Theilen helped win me a fantasy chip this year woop woop.

[@kevindavis8320]

And the nfl needs more players like this he is all heart

[@babye6600]

I'm a packer fan and he still amazes me

[@quietcorner293]

As a Vikiings fan, I felt that way about Barry Sanders.

[@enigmaticice9620]

2 things 1. Thielen have a chance to be in talk of Hall of Fame level if he keep up this work ethic. 2. 17K + subscribers this fast?! That's astounding and keep up the outstanding work sir

[@NamelessViking01]

Adam thielen wont make the hall of fame. He is kinda past the average age in the nfl. It would be cool for him to be in the hall of fame but it's very very unlikely unless he puts up like 1,500 yards the next four year and can't be stopped. Like last year he had a hot start but when teams started targeting him it seemed like he disappeared. I have nothing againts him because I am born and raised minnesotan but the hall of fame for him is stretching it very far.

[@tug3332]

@@NamelessViking01 he was in top 5 wrs what you talking about

[@NamelessViking01]

@@tug3332 last year he was a top 5 receiver, every other year before last year he wasn't in that stop. Yoi dont make the hall of fame for being a top 5 wide receiver for 1 year ( rn because next year he might be in the top 5 again)

[@stonedsniper8932]

He’s my favourite cause he’s a hard worker

[@Guy6977-r9]

Thielen and Diggs are entertaining to watch. What a duo

[@macynsawall612]

I'm a packer fan but mad respect to Adam thielen

[@bradwoj1]

Glad I found this channel today, it's fantastic. Keep up the good work

[@xfrsxt3211]

This man is my inspiration I aspire to be like him

[@ethanmyers4882]

Man he would’ve been great for the panthers, a fan can only dream lol

[@sonhollywood]

Personally I don’t think he’d fit in there offense

[@ethanmyers4882]

Jmojer I think he would’ve been great, cam likes to throw the double move which is Adams best route, and the slant which cam likes to throw maybe not as our no.1 but as a two or three I think he can excel in a lot of systems, his route running is nasty

[@tug3332]

He WOULD NOT FIT in panthers offense

[@johnnyliu7105]

Imagine if Russel Wilson went to the Vikings, instant championship.

[@KonservenFurz]

@@johnnyliu7105 Dude that is my ultimate dream. If we got Russ I would nut my pants

[@kiduniverse9924]

I love this video. Really shows how Thielen is a really talented player.

[@terryoliss9524]

Great video man! Im quickly becoming a big fan of ur content, very articulate narration and great stories. Thanks for keeping my drunk ass entertained lol

[@scottjohnson1640]

Classic American underdog story. You can't help but root for the guy.

[@marcvslicinivscrassvs7536]

Big fan of Thielen. Even bigger fan of Set the Edge.

[@jamiljohnson3653]

I love that guy he was not pick 31 team out not ever pick in the draft plus this play like he a first round pick.

[@conoiyer3651]

Great vid can’t believe Thielen has been in the league since 2013 and I’m a bears fan

[@BenWarrenMusic]

Great video, happy i stumbled across it! I respect tf outta this man

[@lucasteves8122]

Yo this Chanel is great tho. This man is like KTO!

[@danielolsen9034]

Lucas Teves KTO is better

[@leorickt.9604]

Better than KTO but not as intelligent as Brett Kollmann

[@joehilbush7472]

Nobody: The captions changing Thielens name every single time he says it.

[@eorgeorg2108]

Just makes me wonder how many guys never really had a real chance to show theirs skill, also lots of overpaid dudes in the league, keep the hard work Adam

[@andrewmb9982]

You are the best for making this video dude. Good ass content!

[@drewsmith4452]

SKOL VIKINGS! I think I'm going to subscribe! Keep the videos going!