The Minnesota Vikings are entering a new era without former franchise QB Kirk Cousins. Veteran Sam Darnold and first-round rookie J.J. McCarthy are the new signal callers in Minnesota. A recent workout video shows one of Minnesota's new QBs throwing the ball around with a former Vikings' fan favorite.
Yesterday, former Vikings' receiver Adam Thielen posted a video on Instagram of him working out with J.J. McCarthy. The video is assumed to have taken place somewhere in the Twin Cities suburbs because both Thielen and McCarthy live in the area. Naturally, the video has caused an uproar from fans who want the Vikings to bring Thielen home.
“Bring him back,” one fan wrote, tagging the Minnesota Vikings Twitter/X account.
Other fans were clearly intrigued by the possibilities that were hinted at by the video.
Finally, another fan said what everyone else was thinking. “At some point Adam needs to come home and retire as a Viking,” they wrote. That captures the opinion of most Vikings fans, who always heralded Thielen as one of their favorite players.
Thielen is a local product. He grew up in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota and went to college at Minnesota State. He went undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft but was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Vikings. Thielen earned a roster spot in his second year in Minnesota and stuck around for a few years as wide receiver depth. His production exploded in 2016 when he hauled in 69 passes for 967 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Thielen's NFL career has barely slowed down ever since.
Unfortunately, a reunion does not seem likely anytime soon.
Thielen's contract has a $13 million dead cap hit in 2024 and cutting him would actually cost the Panthers $3 million in cap space.
Vikings fans can still hope for a reunion in 2025.
Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy trolled after throwing bad first pitch before Minnesota Twins game
McCarthy is likely happy that fans are fawning over his workout video with Adam Thielen. It is a good distraction from his last viral moment.
Last week, McCarthy had the opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Minnesota Twins vs. Tampa Bay Rays MLB matchup. His pitch was visibly outside and to the right.
Naturally, the QB was heckled by fans who joked about McCarthy's throwing ability as an NFL QB. The material just writes itself.
“JJ McCarthy showed Ponder-esqe accuracy on that first pitch,” @donnelly612 said on X.
“Is today the day Vikings Twitter says the season is already toast and everyone should be fired because JJ McCarthy s**t the bed on a ceremonial first pitch or nah?” @sudsy911 added.
“Are we sure JJ McCarthy wasn't just working on his footwork in that first pitch?” @TheRealCrishad said.
X user @BenAlfveby cut right to the chase saying simply, “Yikes, horrendous first pitch from JJ McCarthy.”
Thankfully, McCarthy wasn't alone.
Fellow first-round rookie Dallas Turner also threw out a ceremonial first pitch prior to the Twins game. Turner's pitch was even worse than McCarthy's, which makes sense because he isn't paid to throw anything.
We can't wait for the NFL preseason to get here so we can see McCarthy throwing a real football ASAP.
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