EAGAN, Minn. — Adam Thielen grew up a big Vikings fan in Detroit Lakes, where he wanted to be like Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss.
Now the current Vikings wide receiver stands in the company of his idol, as Thielen snagged his 100th catch of the season on Monday Night Football against Seattle.
Thielen became the first Vikings wide receiver to have at least 100 catches in a season since Moss did so in 2003.
The 28-year-old entered Monday's game with 98 catches and hit the milestone with Moss on the scene as part of ESPN's Broadcast Crew.
He caught his first pass in the third quarter on a receiver screen for a 7-yard gain, before hitting the century mark on a 10-yard play in the fourth quarter.
Thielen now has 100 catches and nine touchdowns in 2018.
Moss had a career-high 111 catches in 2003.
Thielen recorded the fifth 100th-catch season in Vikings history on Monday. Moss and fellow Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter had two apiece in Purple.
Thielen wore customized Caribou Coffee cleats during warmups to start the launch of a fundraising campaign for the **Thielen Foundation**.
Between now and Dec. 31, Caribou will give back 19 percent of proceeds from the purchases of Vikings Blend to support and expand the Thielen Foundation's support of the behavioral health program at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital. Vikings Blend can be purchased at Caribou Coffee locations in Minnesota or at **CaribouCoffee.com**.
"We're proud to support the Thielen Foundation and continue our partnership with University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital," President of Caribou Coffee John Butcher said in a press release. "Adam's local roots, coupled with his storybook career and determination to give back are not only commendable, but inspiring. We can't help but catch the contagious nature of this organization and its mission to love, inspire and motivate local kids as they take on challenges many of us can't begin to imagine."
The cleats featured Caribou's color scheme, antlers and "Life is Short, Stay Awake for It" motto, continuing the Minnesota native's support of his home state this season.
"Growing up in Minnesota, Caribou has long been my go-to coffee and it is [my wife] Caitlin's favorite, too," said Thielen said. "I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with them this holiday season on a promotion benefiting my foundation. To bring our partnership to life through a custom-designed cleat for the Seattle game is perfect timing. It feels great to showcase the best of Minnesota while giving back to our community at the same time."
