EAGAN, Minn. – Vikings fans will have a unique opportunity to see their favorite NFL players on a baseball diamond.
Adam Thielen and several of his teammates will switch sports on the evening of Tuesday, May 31, for the Thielen Foundation Charity Softball Game.
The philanthropic matchup will pit the Minnesota Vikings Defense against the Minnesota Vikings Offense in a game featuring the likes of Dalvin Cook, Brian O'Neill, Patrick Peterson and Danielle Hunter.
Though player availability is subject to change, the full rosters expected are listed below.
The charity game will get underway at 7 p.m. (CT) at CHS Field, home of the St. Paul Saints, immediately after the home-run derby at 6 p.m. (CT). In-game giveaways, a silent auction, raffle and merchandise sales also will be part of the family-friendly event. Proceeds raised will benefit Thielen Foundation's mission to serve, educate and inspire underserved youth to reach their full potential.
"We have a great locker room, and guys want to help out. I think guys are excited about it to be able to compete, play a different sport other than football," Thielen said. "Some great competition, and I'm thankful for my teammates to be able to come support a good cause.
"It will be supporting some of the causes my teammates are involved in. We're just trying to spread the money around in this community that's done so much for my wife Caitlin and me and for Thielen Foundation," Thielen added. "A lot of it will go to underprivileged youth, helping provide resources and opportunities to youth that haven't been given a lot."
He noted that support also includes youth mental health resources, as Thielen Foundation works with the pediatric behavioral unit at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital.
The Vikings began voluntary Organized Team Activities Monday afternoon, but there hasn't been much trash-talk exchanged about the softball game — yet. Thielen expects some could be on the way.
"I've gotta go through the locker room and just get the blood flowing a little bit, get the competition rolling, because I don't think people have been talking about it too much yet," he said. "I bet when we get out there, the guys are gonna be playing for keeps."
Thielen Foundation held its first charity softball game in July 2019, when Thielen joined Harrison Smith, Kyle Rudolph and Anthony Harris – along with a number of local celebrities and personalities – for the event.
With the COVID-19 pandemic delaying any sort of similar activity in 2020 or 2021, Thielen is looking forward not only to a return to the dugout but also for the participation of so many more Vikings.
"I'm super excited to have my teammates out there and have some fun with it and interact with fans," Thielen said. "It's kind of like training camp, but for us, it's a less-stressful environment so we can hang out and have some fun."
How well does a football skill set translate to the diamond? We asked Thielen to predict a home-run hitter from each team.
"J.J. (Justin Jefferson) is one of the better athletes all around, so I have a feeling he'll be pretty good," Thielen said. "And on defense, [Eric] Kendricks is a pretty good all-around athlete, so I think he'll surprise people."
To learn more or to purchase tickets, click here.
