In the heart of west Charlotte, while swinging hammers and hauling lumber, Christian Rozeboom wasn’t just building homes—he was helping build hope. The Carolina Panthers linebacker, newly arrived this offseason, spent part of his Keep Pounding Day lending a hand in Habitat for Humanity’s mission, a gesture that mirrors the grit and humility that brought him to the NFL in the first place.
Rozeboom, a former undrafted free agent out of South Dakota State, understands what it means to fight for a roster spot. And while he’s only been a Panther for a few weeks, there’s one teammate he’s always kept an eye on: veteran receiver Adam Thielen.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) makes a catch against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean (33) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.© Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
“I do know Adam’s story just with him going to Minnesota State, Mankato and I grew up in Iowa so I knew his story and obviously watched him quite a bit at the Vikings,” Rozeboom shared. “I mean just unreal story that you could talk about for a long time too… I think just how you treat people and I see that already just meeting Adam for two weeks now—how he treats people is in seconds and getting to know everybody around and it’s been really cool to see.”
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Thielen, who signed with Carolina in 2023 after nearly a decade in Minnesota, posted 615 receiving yards, and 5 touchdowns last season, while only playing in ten games due to injury. To Rozeboom, that stat line is just part of what makes Thielen stand out. It’s the off-field presence, the quiet leadership, and the way he greets every trainer, coach, and teammate that truly resonates.
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Rozeboom offered his own advice to young players trying to find their footing: “Do the football well; treat everyone in the building well, too.” That mindset has not only kept Rozeboom in the league, but is now helping him shape the Panthers locker room and the Charlotte community alike.
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