Adam Thielen 2021 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award

Norman apologized, and Thielen forgave.

“I think another thing that is important to me is my faith,” Thielen said. “I think that has helped me a lot as well, realizing that so many times in my life, I’ve needed forgiveness, so why can’t I, why should I not forgive others, especially when someone is asking for forgiveness and apologizes for what they’ve done? That’s kind of a big answer for little things, but it really does help.”

Thielen has advanced from a lightly looked-at high school prospect, to a top performer at a Division II school, to an undrafted tryout player at Vikings rookie minicamp and practice squader in 2013, to a special teamer, to a starting receiver and Pro Bowler.

Fans, young and old, have cast their eyes on him and worn his No. 19 jerseys.