UNRL & Carolina Panthers 2024 WPMOY Nominee, Adam Thielen, to Give Back to Communities in North Carolina & Minnesota for the Holidays

Contributions to benefit Crisis Assistance Ministry, Mallard Creek High School, Brooklyn Park (MN), V3 Sports (MN), & Thielen’s Panthers Teammates to spread Holiday Cheer

On Thursday, December 5th, Adam Thielen of the Carolina Panthers was officially nominated by the team for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award for the work he and his wife, Caitlin, do in the Charlotte community and through their Thielen Foundation. This marks the second time in his career that Thielen has been nominated for this award as he was also selected by the Minnesota Vikings in 2022.

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award presented by Nationwide recognizes an NFL Player for his excellence on and off the field. The award was established in 1970 and was renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame running back, Walter Payton. Each team nominates one player who has had a significant positive impact on his community, with one winner selected from the 32 nominees. 

To join in on the celebration, UNRL, one of the fastest growing athleisure and golf apparel brands, is partnering with Thielen on giving back to local North Carolina and Minnesota communities with over $50K in apparel and additional cash support this holiday season with the following offerings: 

• Panthers Team Drop – Entire Panthers team to receive gifts from Santa Thielen 
• Donated apparel for Crisis Assistance Ministry and people in need as part of Thielen Foundation event on Thursday, December 19th
  • Thielen Foundation will host and donate over $50,000 to provide rental assistance and a holiday celebration – including UNRL apparel and holiday gifts per family
• Donated apparel to V3 Sports following +$400k total donation by Thielen Foundation to help finish weight room renovation at state-of-the-art facility in North Minneapolis
• Team Apparel for the Mallard Creek High School in Charlotte, NC and Brooklyn Park Teen Center as part of Thielen Foundation’s #ChangeThruSport campaign

These endeavors represent a continued partnership that dates back to 2022 and was extended earlier this year. UNRL and Thielen have embarked on a journey marked by mutual support and shared success. Thielen’s move to The Carolina Panthers in 2023 opened a new chapter in his career, while UNRL’s expansion into new markets and product innovation has expedited brand recognition. This alliance goes beyond the typical athlete-brand relationship, rooted in a shared pledge to excellence, community engagement, and the desire to inspire others. 

UNRL’s unwavering support for the Thielen Foundation, was demonstrated by their investment in the Foundation’s mission with a six-figure annual donation. This contribution has bolstered the Foundation’s mission, aiming to equip and empower youth to reach their full potential. The focus of the partnership is to leave a legacy that extends well beyond the football field, touching the lives of and inspiring  young individuals and fans across the nation.