Viktor
Well-known member
- Mar 19, 2019
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Like all other NFL teams, Minnesota navigated a virtual offseason, endured an odd training camp and no preseason before the 2020 season began.
And when it did, the Vikings languished to a 1-5 start as they were plagued by inconsistent play and an unfavorable turnover margin.
But much like Thielen's own traits, Minnesota relied on work ethic and preparation to make a run at an NFC playoff spot as the calendar turned to December.
His parents know his humility well.
"He's still our kid," Jayne Thielen said. "We haven't seen him change his personality, the way he handles himself. He's still the kid we've always known."
With three regular-season games left, Thielen hardly cares if he joins his boyhood idols in the annals of Vikings history.
He's focused on helping his childhood team get back to the postseason for a second consecutive season and seeing what possible fun they could have in January and beyond.
"Obviously not a normal season," Thielen said with a laugh. "A lot of things are a lot different, but that's kind of life as an athlete. Things don't always go to plan. Even having a 1-5 start, those things aren't planned and you just adapt, overcome and figure out ways to make it as smooth as possible.
"To be able to get through something like that in this league is not easy. To be able to push and fight and scratch and claw ... and have all the doubters in the world … that why you play this game," Thielen added. "You play each week to try to get to that ultimate goal that everybody's looking for at the start of the season. We're in a good spot now, but we have to make sure that each week from now on is almost like a playoff game."