Q&A with Adam Thielen: Former Vikings receiver gives back to Minnesota, has 'no hard feelings' about departure

A year away from Minnesota, receiver Adam Thielen's first as a football player at any level, opened his eyes to the reality faced by many of his former Vikings teammates during 10 seasons: being uprooted from home and establishing yourself in a new place while keeping a strict schedule tuned for optimal performance.

Thielen recently spoke with the Star Tribune about his newfound perspective, finding peace after a frustrating split with the Vikings, Kirk Cousins following him to the NFC South, and his family's passion to continue charitable efforts back home. During his first season with the Panthers, Thielen said he sent messages relaying "no hard feelings" to general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell.

"I think Kwesi and Kevin have done a great job setting themselves up for the future and having a really specific vision," Thielen said. "Even with my last year there, you could tell they had a very specific vision of where they wanted to go and you can respect that. Obviously, I would've loved to finish my time in Minnesota and would've been all for that, but their vision and all that was very clear. So, you can respect that."

https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-vikings-adam-thielen-kirk-cousins-carolina-panthers-foundation/600354800/