MANKATO, Minn. - Minnesota State Athletics is celebrating Director of Athletics Kevin Buisman's 25th year with the Mavericks by highlighting 25 outstanding student-athletes who have helped shape the department's history. The next honoree in the series is former football standout Adam Thielen.
"The consummate 'gamer', Adam became the guy you wanted to have the ball in his hands when your team needed a big play," Buisman said. "He was a dynamic leader who had a way of instilling confidence in his teammates and was someone they were all able to rally around. What always stood out to me was the belief he had in himself – Adam bet on Adam. That mindset ultimately manifested itself into one of the most remarkable personal success stories in the history of Minnesota State Athletics and resulted in a tremendously successful NFL career. While what Adam accomplished on the football field is extraordinary, I think his generosity to The Future State project through the Thielen Foundation and his continued connection to Minnesota State will be what cements his legacy here for generations to come."
The 25 for 25 Series recognizes 25 of the most accomplished and memorable Maverick student-athletes from the past quarter century, beginning with Buisman's arrival at Minnesota State in 2002. Over the next three months, the 25 honorees will be announced in no particular order, with 10 unveiled between now and the end of October, 10 more throughout November and the final five in December prior to the Christmas holiday.
"Kevin has been a huge part of that community for 25 years," Thielen said. "His love for MSU is obvious and you can feel the passion he has for the university and, most importantly, its student-athletes. The time, sacrifice and worked he as poured into MSU over the last 25 years does not go unnoticed. Congratulations on 25 years, Kevin, and I thank you for everything you've done and continue to do for MSU!"
Thielen, a native of Detroit Lakes, Minn., played in 46 games during his four seasons with the Minnesota State football team. Thielen earned All-NSIC Second Team honors during both his sophomore and junior seasons.
"My time at MSU was such an important chapter in my life," Thielen said. "It helped shape me into the player I became, but more importantly, it helped shape me into the person I am today. It's also where I met and started dating my now-wife, which makes MSU even more special to me. The relationships I built, the people I met, and the entire MSU community will always hold a special place in my heart."
As a senior, he led the team in receptions (74), receiving yards (1,176) and touchdown catches (8), earning All-NSIC First Team honors and Daktronics All-Central Region Second Team recognition. His 1,176 receiving yards rank as the fourth-most in a single season in Minnesota State history. Thielen was later named Minnesota State Senior Male Athlete of the Year for the 2012-13 season.
Following graduation, Thielen went on to enjoy a 12-year NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers, earning two Pro Bowl selections. In 178 career games, he recorded 704 receptions for 8,497 yards and 64 touchdowns.
Thielen will be inducted into the Minnesota State Athletics Hall of Fame on Oct. 2.
