The team says the 34-year-old has “committed to pouring into his community, helping inspire the next generation to find that same passion.” The award recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field; all 32 teams nominate a player.
Thielen and his wife, Caitlin, first founded Thielen Foundation in 2018 in an effort to “help serve, educate and inspire those in need.” It originally began with the intention of giving back to the Minnesota communities that had given so much to them, but since joining the Panthers in 2023, the foundation’s efforts have now expanded to the Carolinas.
The Thielen Foundation sponsors several programs, such as ChangeThruSport, the Masonic Children’s Hospital, Salvation Army Christmas, football camps, scholarships and more.
ChangeThruSport has provided, among other resources, weight rooms for local high schools in the Charlotte area, including Harding University High School.
As a nominee, Thielen will wear a Man of the Year helmet decal through the end of the season in recognition of his accomplishments on and off the field.
Thielen has battled injury this season but has 19 catches for 265 yards and two touchdowns. Against the Buccaneers last Sunday, he caught the Panthers’ go-ahead touchdown from Bryce Young and also was the target for a controversial incomplete pass in the endzone.
