Minneapolis, MN (WDAY TV) - It wasn't all bad news for the fans in attendance today. That's because Pete and Jayne Thielen drove down from Detroit Lakes and got to witness a dream come true, their son Adam make his home debut as a Minnesota Viking.
Like most Minnesota families, the Thielen's used to take family trips to Vikings games.
“Have a good time at the game!”
But today is a little different walking around before kickoff knowing that their son, Adam, is inside getting ready to play in his first regular season home game.
Jayne Thielen/Adam's Mom: “I think there is more nerves when you know your son is going to be playing than when we just came to a regular game when he wasn't on the team. So, I think it's more nervousness now and a lot of excitement too.”
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Pete Thielen/Adam's Dad: “It's definitely a lot different now that he is out here with the team. I was always a Vikings fan, but it seems I'm way more intense right now with the anticipation of each game and each opportunity that he has out there it's going to be fun.”
It's an excitement that not only goes through the family but a whole community, one that Adam says he is happy to represent on their home town team.
Adam Thielen: It's special, being from there and growing up there. Having that support is awesome. I feel it and I probably wouldn't make it without that support and it has definitely helped me.
While the jerseys have changed, his family's strategy of watching him here at TCF bank stadium will be the same as when Adam played at Mollberg Field in high school.
Caitlin Grabowski/Adam's Fiancé: “I will watch the game obviously but every few minutes I am always like where is he now, where is he now. If I have a friend here or his family I will always be where is he if I can't find him. So I am always looking out for him, there's Adam, make sure he's ok.”
Amanda Welken/Adam's Sister: “We watch him 100% of the time, we always know where he is at. We mainly focus on where Adam is whether he's getting tackled or he's making the tackle.”
Adam: “They've been there for me since high school, college, every game and they've been to every game so far in my NFL career and that's huge for me to have that support. It has helped me a lot along the way.”
Although, Adam didn't make a big splash in today's game, he knows that his time can come at any moment, so he's making sure he's ready.
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Adam: The biggest thing is just be prepared like you're going to play. When your name is called you have to go out there and perform at a high level and be ready.
And when his time comes to shine, you can bet his family.
Jayne: “Just seeing our own kid out there with the Vikings is just amazing.”
Along with the rest of Lakes Country will be there to pat him on the back.
