CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Adam Thielen caught the pass, gained a first down and pointed flamboyantly downfield as he sprinted in front of the Vikings' bench.
That was the one time on Sunday Thielen hinted he might hold a grudge over the Vikings letting him leave to sign with the Carolina Panthers. Before and after the game, Thielen was the host of a reunion, the centerpiece of group conversations that sprawled all over the field.
Thielen bought a coffee for a longtime friend on the Vikings staff. He chatted with his former teammates and coaches. And he performed to his career standards, catching seven of eight passes thrown his way for 76 yards, continuing to be the Panthers' best receiver and rookie quarterback Bryce Young's security blanket.
The Vikings defeated Carolina 21-13 on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium, leaving the Vikings at 1-3 and the Panthers at 0-4 despite Thielen's impressive day.
"Yeah, it's just frustrating," Thielen said. "I still believe in this team — the offense, defense, special teams, the coaching staff and the organization. Being 0-4, I felt like we had a chance to win that game, all the way to the end, and didn't do it."
The Panthers did not score an offensive touchdown, and averaged only 3.4 yards per play. After the game, Thielen grabbed Young to start a one-sided conversation.
"Just really encouraging," Young said, "which I really appreciate coming from a guy who has had so much success and seen it all and still being there."
Of Young, Thielen said: "Man, I love that guy, and he has got such a bright future. I'm thankful for him and just want him to know that this is a tough league. That's just how it is. It's tough and you just have to keep fighting."