The Carolina Panthers’ seasoned wide receiver Adam Thielen is aware that the 2023 campaign wasn’t simple.
But as he reflects on the things he’s learned, he says it taught him something about himself that will only serve him well in the 2024 campaign.
In an interview with Paul Allen of KFAN, Thielen stated, “It was probably the biggest growth I’ve ever had as a person, as a player, ever in my life just because I had to be the person that I say I am day in and day out.” Every day, I felt as like I had to kind of examine myself at the door because things weren’t going well.
When Bryce Young was a rookie wide receiver for the Panthers, Thielen was their most dependable option.
Throughout the season, he amassed 1,014 yards, 103 receptions, and four touchdowns. The Panthers’ passing game stalled and looked lifeless if Thielen couldn’t get going.
Thielen is in a totally different position going into the 2024 season. Carolina selected Xavier Legette late in the first round and acquired Diontae Johnson through trade.
Thielen will have plenty of opportunities to play the same role he has played throughout his career because both players seem to play a significant part in Dave Canales’ offence. He will now be approaching this with the mental toughness gained by enduring a dismal two-win season.
