Vikings WR Adam Thielen working with Larry Fitzgerald

Vikings fans love underdogs. This has been true for years. Whether it’s a guy like Audie Cole, Solomon Elimimian, or even Brock Lesnar, those guys that might not have a chance of making the roster (or keeping a spot) always seem to find supporters among the Minnesota faithful.

Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) looks on during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

That’s especially true when it comes to wide receiver Adam Thielen. As a member of the Minnesota State – Mankato football team in college, Thielen was already a familiar face. Against the odds, he worked hard and earned a spot on the roster through special teams. He kept working hard, earning playing time in regular season NFL games. And that work paid off during the 2014 NFL season when he caught his first NFL touchdown.

Adam Thielen isn’t done working, either. He knows that with the Vikings drafting a wide receiver this year and the emergence of others that he will be fighting for a roster spot this year. As we’ve learned from Thielen in the past, he won’t sit idly by and watch.

In fact, he was spotted at the Larry Fitzgerald Football Camp with the eight time Pro Bowl wide receiver. A recent article on ESPN’s website had Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen speaking about working with Fitzgerald:

"“Any time you have an opportunity to be around a guy that works the way he does, you’ve got to take advantage of that. I have high goals, and I’m going to continue to raise my expectations. I’m going to try and get the biggest possible role I can on this team, and whatever the coaches decide is going to be my role, I’m going to do my best with that.”"

It is that kind of attitude that has put Thielen in the position that he is in today. He’s a player in the NFL. Vikings fans know his name. And he’s been making great plays on special teams for a couple of seasons now.

While Thielen is making a name for himself, Larry Fitzgerald is known worldwide. Being able to talk with the veteran about the NFL and pick up some of the intricacies of the game could be a big advantage.

"“We talk a little bit about the (Vikings’) offense, and different offenses. He’s a knowledgeable guy, and he’s been around for a while. There’s a lot I’ve taken from him, just in little small talk.”"

Hopefully, the Vikings will have a place for Thielen on the roster during the 2015 NFL season. He’s the hard-working kind of player that fans love and earns his role on the squad. And, to be honest, I don’t want to see another NFL team get a guy like Adam Thielen when he belongs on the roster in Minnesota.

UPDATED 7/17/15 – wrote wrong college for Thielen. Many apologies.

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