Adam Thielen likes taking his wife to Hotel Shoreham Bar, Bistro & Pizzeria in his hometown of Detroit Lakes, Minn. "That's our date-night place," he said.
He loved eating at Weggy's On Campus at Minnesota State Mankato. "My wife and I are breakfast people," he said.
These days, Thielen's favorite brunch spot is between sidelines. Against long odds, he spends Sundays feasting on NFL defenses.
Thielen first attracted attention as a nice small-school story. Then he starred at MSU, then attracted the Vikings' attention at an open workout, then signed, then made the active roster.
Then he became a role player, then a starter, then a standout, and then on Monday night he caught nine passes for 157 yards, treating the New Orleans Saints as if they were the Winona State JV.
Thielen is no longer just a nice little story, or just a nice little player. He is now a reason for Vikings optimism. He and Stefon Diggs give the offense two smart, versatile, athletic receivers who run crisp routes, create separation on deep routes and catch passes in traffic. And the Vikings acquired them with one fifth-round draft pick and one tiny signing bonus.
Thielen was a kid when Randy Moss, Cris Carter and Jake Reed earned the nickname "Three Deep." Thielen and Diggs may prove to be two hard to handle.
"Those were the guys who made me want to play this position and play it at a high level," Thielen said.