Adam Thielen Makes His True Feelings About NFL Refs Clear After Massive On-Field Outburst

Adam Thielen wants the NFL to appoint full time referees instead of individual who see it as a part time job.

Adam Thielen Makes His True Feelings About NFL Refs Clear After Massive On-Field Outburst

Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen and NFL referees in circle (Image via IMAGO)

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Adam Thielen exercised his veteran presence in the locker room by taking a blunt shot at the NFL referees in the aftermath of the Minnesota Vikings’ 27-19 defeat against the Baltimore Ravens. During the game, the referee penalized Thielen for an illegal block on a Ravens defender.

The resulting play ended as a turnover on downs, so the penalty did not matter in the outcome, but Thielen was caught fuming on the sidelines. Cameras showed the Pro Bowler raging at the decision.

Speaking on the KFAN’s Power Trip Morning Show, Thielen suggested that the NFL should get rid of moonlighting and hire full-time referees for better in-game decisions.

I think we need to have full-time referees…. They obviously love their job, and they put a lot of time into it, but it’s like, we have these guys that are kind of fanboys a little bit. Like, they love the fact that they get to go out there and they get to shake hands with Patrick Mahomes. They get to hang out with these professional athletes. Then they go to their real job on Monday through Friday, and tell everybody how cool their side job is.

Adam Thielen said

The Vikings trailed 19-10 and were facing 4th-and-2 at the Baltimore 46-yard line. Quarterback JJ McCarthy took off with the ball following the snap. In the meantime, Thielen smashed into a Ravens defender near the line of scrimmage and was adjudged to have illegally blocked the player.

Baltimore received the ball to set up a 40-yard field goal. Tyler Loop ended up missing the kick. So did the referees get it right? According to the NFL rulebook, a blindside block is defined as (H/T Football Zebras):

It is a foul if a player initiates a block when his path is toward or parallel to his own end line and makes forcible contact to his opponent with his helmet, forearm, or shoulder, unless the contact occurs in close-line play prior to the ball leaving that area.”

The way it’s phrased makes it easy to see why Thielen felt he was treated unfairly.

Adam Thielen and the Vikings must win more games to keep playoff dreams alive

The Vikings were among the offseason favorites to reach back-to-back playoffs after finishing second in the NFC North in 2024. Sam Darnold balled out for the Minnesota franchise, but head coach Kevin O’Connell opted against re-signing the former first-round draft pick.

Adam Thielen Makes His True Feelings About NFL Refs Clear After Massive On-Field Outburst
Kevin O’Connell (Image via IMAGO)

O’Connell also declined to sign Daniel Jones to a contract. Jones backed up Darnold after signing with them midway through the season.

Those decisions are now looking like a big mistake by the Vikings brass. While the Vikings toil at the foot of the North with a 4-5 record, Darnold tops the NFC West with the Seattle Seahawks (7-2 record), and Jones discovered a new life with the Indianapolis Colts, who are 8-2.

JJ McCarthy took over as the starter in Minnesota after missing his rookie season due to injury. He’s only played four games (2-2).

McCarthy must show up in the next few games if the Vikings aim to keep playoff dreams alive. Thielen should be the first one to help his young teammate grow as a football player. After spending a year in Carolina, the Vikings brought the 35-year-old back for his experience in O’Connell’s system.

They welcome bitter rivals, the Chicago Bears, in week 11. In the reverse fixture, McCarthy threw 2 touchdowns and ran for one to secure a 27-24 victory for the Vikings.

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