Kassidy Hill

CHARLOTTE The name on everybody's lips the past few days?

Adam Thielen.

The Panthers receiver was lauded by Eagles rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean last week as being the toughest guy DeJean had to cover in his first season in the NFL. But it wasn't the last time this weekend Thielen would receive his flowers.

Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson was recently interviewed while touring the Gatorade facilities, and was asked which teammate had helped him the most in his career.

"Adam Thielen, for sure" Jefferson quickly answered.

Thielen and Jefferson played together for three season with the Minnesota Vikings. During that time, Thielen averaged 70 receptions, 789 yards a season, and 10 touchdowns a season.

Jefferson's numbers took a steep jump year-over-year those three seasons, and by 2022, he earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors with 128 receptions for 1,809 yards and eight touchdowns. Much of that success started his rookie season, and a helping hand from Thielen.

"Coming in the league, especially with COVID going on, not having any preseason games, I just had to learn the playback, had to learn things right off the bat, and just for me to come into the league, he pretty much took me under his wing, was my older bother," Jefferson said of Thielen.

"So I'm always grateful to have him, especially those first years of me coming into the league."

The interviewer replied, "He's still doing it too," referencing Thielen's past two seasons with the Panthers, during which he was the leading receiver both years, including a thousand yard season in 2023.

After contemplating retirement for a couple of weeks, the 34-year-old receiver elected to return for another year. It means a return of consistency and production for the Panthers, and more chances for others around the league to sing Adam Thielen's praises.