Adams' Professional NFL Career and Athletic Profile
Entering the professional ranks requires a combination of raw athleticism and resilience. For Adams, the journey through the National Football League (NFL) was marked by impressive physical metrics, a series of team transitions, and the challenging reality of professional sports injuries.
Athletic Foundation and Pro Day Performance
Before entering the league, Adams showcased his physical capabilities during the South Carolina State Pro Day. These tests, which measure speed, agility, and explosive power, provided a baseline for his professional potential. His performance highlighted a strong balance of speed and leaping ability, essential for a defensive role.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 10 ¾ in (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 192 lb (87 kg) |
| 40-yard dash | 4.50 s |
| 10-yard split | 1.62 s |
| 20-yard split | 2.57 s |
| 20-yard shuttle | 4.34 s |
| Three-cone drill | 7.16 s |
| Vertical jump | 34.5 in (0.88 m) |
| Broad jump | 10 ft 4 in (3.15 m) |
Early Career and Injury Struggles
Adams was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL draft, taking the 224th overall pick. However, his rookie season was cut short during Week 16 on December 26, 2010, in a game against the St. Louis Rams. While blocking on the opening kickoff of the second half, Adams suffered a broken left ankle. The resulting surgery required the insertion of several screws into his leg, and he was subsequently released by the 49ers on September 3, 2011.
The Journey Through Multiple Franchises
Following his release from San Francisco, Adams entered a period of frequent movement between teams. In September 2011, the New England Patriots signed him alongside Landon Cohen to fill gaps left by season-ending injuries. His tenure in New England was volatile; he was waived and re-signed multiple times in October before recording his first NFL interception on November 21. He was waived again by the Patriots on November 29.
Adams then moved to the Seattle Seahawks on December 20, 2011, though he made only one appearance before being cut on August 31, 2012.
Stability with the Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders provided Adams with his most consistent period of play. Joining the team on September 1, 2012, he appeared in 15 of 16 games, recording 15 tackles and an interception off Peyton Manning. Despite being placed on injured reserve in December 2012, he returned as a restricted free agent in March 2013. He played all 16 games that season, totaling 30 tackles and a fumble recovery, though he suffered two concussions over a three-game span.
Final NFL Stints
Adams returned to the Seattle Seahawks on March 27, 2014, but was released in August after struggling during training camp. He was then claimed by the New York Jets on September 1, 2014, where he played 12 games, recording 24 tackles and one interception.
His final active tenure came with the Atlanta Falcons, whom he signed with on March 12, 2015. During the 2015 season, he appeared in 13 games, contributing 38 tackles and one interception.
The End of a Professional Career
The conclusion of Adams' NFL aspirations was marked by missed opportunities. After a workout with the Kansas City Chiefs in April 2016, he received a call from the Indianapolis Colts to participate in practice. However, Adams missed his flight to the appointment. His former agent noted that while he reached the Charlotte airport, the flight had already departed, suggesting that Adams had mentally given up on his professional football career.
Key Facts
- Draft Position: Selected 224th overall in the 7th round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
- Career Highs: Recorded 38 tackles and an interception during his 2015 season with the Atlanta Falcons.
- Notable Play: Recorded an interception against Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning while with the Raiders.
- Physical Peak: Posted a 4.50s 40-yard dash and a 34.5-inch vertical jump at his Pro Day.
- Resilience: Overcame a severe ankle injury requiring surgical screws early in his career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team drafted Adams?
Adams was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL draft.
What was the most significant injury Adams faced?
The most severe injury was a broken left ankle suffered in December 2010, which required surgery and the insertion of several screws.
How many interceptions did Adams record in the NFL?
Adams recorded interceptions while playing for the New England Patriots, the Oakland Raiders, the New York Jets, and the Atlanta Falcons.
Which team did Adams play the most games for?
Adams saw his most consistent action with the Oakland Raiders, appearing in 15 games in 2012 and all 16 games in 2013.
Why did Adams' NFL career end?
His career effectively ended after he missed a flight to a practice session with the Indianapolis Colts in 2016, an event his agent attributed to him giving up on the game.