Coming into the 2025 NFL season, an argument could be made that the Minnesota Vikings had one of the most talented wide receiving corps in the league. Superstar Justin Jefferson is firmly in the conversation for the best player in the NFL at his position, while Jordan Addison is starting to make a name for himself as a promising young wideout.
Along with these two stars catching passes from talented young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the team elected to bring back veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen, which added more depth and experience downfield for the Vikings.
Adam Thielen Opens Up About Relationship With Justin Jefferson
GettyJustin Jefferson #18 and Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings.
Along with being able to play for his hometown team again after a short stint with the Carolina Panthers, Thielen has nothing but respect for Jefferson.
The veteran wideout opened up about his relationship and friendship with the superstar wide receiver during the Vikings’ media availability on Thursday.
“Justin and I, obviously, we’ve built such a great relationship,” Thielen said. “The friendship was there like I never left when I got back. The appreciation for each other, not just on the field, but off the field as well.
“Thankful to be around him. It’s been really fun to be back and just reminisce on the times we were together before and build on that this year. He’s matured so much, and he’s a father now, and there are so many things that are so cool to see with his growth over the last few years.”
Thielen was also asked about Jefferson being on the cusp of making NFL history this season, with legends Jerry Rice and Calvin Johnson in his sights in terms of receiving yards through six seasons in the league.
He’s on a path and trajectory to be one of the greatest of all time, especially, obviously, in this organization, but really in the entire NFL,” Thielen said of Jefferson. “Thankful to be a part of it. Again, you root for guys that are great teammates and great guys on and off the field. He’s a guy who works extremely hard, so nothing was just given to him. He’s worked for it, he’s earned it. He deserves it, and just proud to be a part of it.”
Vikings Aim to Bounce Back in Second Game Overseas
Getty#11 Carson Wentz of the Minnesota Vikings.
After losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4 in Dublin, Ireland, the Vikings will take their overseas tour to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, to take on the Cleveland Browns.
With McCarthy still on the mend with the ankle injury, Minnesota will turn to Carson Wentz once again in Week 5. Despite throwing two interceptions in the three-point loss to the Steelers, Wentz played well against T.J. Watt and company, finishing with 350 yards and two touchdowns.
As long as Wentz can limit the turnovers against another good defense led by a superstar pass rusher in Myles Garrett, the Vikings, who are the favorites (-3.5) as of Thursday, have a chance to get a win and improve to 3-2 on the season.