Centennial Student Union Blog
MARCH 4 – Shane Zylstra, Maverick football’s single-season and all-time receiving record holder, has re-signed with the Detroit Lions. The signing comes after Zylstra suffered a season-ending knee injury during 2023 training camp. According the Detroit Free Press, Zylstra was signed March 4 to a one-year contract. He returns for the 2024 season as one of three tight ends currently on the Lions roster.
Jalen Sample, former Maverick wide receiver, has signed as an NFL undrafted free agent with the Washington Commanders. It is the third consecutive year that a Maverick made it into the NFL.
One of Minnesota State Mankato’s best-known alums is Adam Thielen, All Pro wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings. Thielen’s latest accolade is the Vikings nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. In 2018, Thielen and wife Caitlin, also a Minnesota State Mankato alum, launched the Thielen Foundation which largely supports youth-based programs. Vote for Adam on your social media with hashtag hashtag #WPMOYChallengeThielen
Chris Reed, former Maverick football standout and eight-year NFL veteran signs with the Minnesota Vikings. It rejoins Reed with former Maverick teammate Adam Thielen. The two played together during the 2010-12 seasons. Along with Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra, the Mavericks have three former players in the NFL.