As the Carolina Panthers prepare for their rookie minicamp, Adam Thielen has some unconventional advice for the new recruits: “Be delusional.” This message is especially aimed at undrafted free agents and tryout players, a category Thielen himself once belonged to.
Thielen’s journey to the NFL began in 2013 when he attended the Minnesota Vikings rookie minicamp as a tryout player. Reflecting on his experience, he admitted, “I was undrafted, unsigned, I went in there as a tryout guy, and I had this delusional mindset of like I’m just going to go out there, I’m going to be on the team.”
This mindset proved effective for Thielen, who eventually secured a three-year contract and built a successful Pro Bowl career. He advises rookies to embrace this attitude during their initial days with the team. “I think you just live in the moment,” Thielen stated.
Jalen Coker exemplified this approach last year. As an undrafted free agent from Holy Cross, Coker consistently performed well during practices and was eventually promoted to the active roster by Week 4. He finished his rookie season with notable stats.
Coker shared his perspective on his first camp: “Just kind of being a sponge… I worked so hard to be in this spot and I just never saw myself—I guess kind of a little bit of that delusion.”
The Panthers’ receiver room will soon welcome two new rookies: Tetairoa McMillan and Jimmy Horn Jr. McMillan was picked eighth overall last month, while Horn joined from Colorado Buffs in the sixth round.
Thielen has reached out to both players offering support and guidance but emphasizes that their work is just beginning. “Excited for them… but you also want those guys to realize that… it’s just the beginning,” said Thielen.
