Mike Adams is a former American football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons. He began his football career at the University of Delaware, where he played for four years and was named a first-team All-American in his senior year.
Adams went undrafted in the 2004 NFL Draft but was signed as a free agent by the San Francisco 49ers. He spent his rookie season on the practice squad before being released the following year. Adams then signed with the Cleveland Browns, where he played for three seasons and established himself as a reliable special teams player.
In 2007, Adams signed with the Indianapolis Colts, where he played for six seasons and became a key member of their defense. He was part of the Colts team that reached the Super Bowl in 2009, although they lost to the New Orleans Saints. Adams recorded a career-high five interceptions in the 2014 season and was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.
After his time with the Colts, Adams played for the Denver Broncos for one season before signing with the Carolina Panthers in 2017. He played two seasons with the Panthers before being released in 2019.
Throughout his career, Adams was known for his versatility and ability to play both safety positions. He was also a respected leader in the locker room and was named a team captain multiple times. Off the field, Adams was involved in various charitable organizations and was named the Colts' Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2015 for his community service.
Adams announced his retirement from the NFL in March 2020, ending a successful career that spanned over a decade and a half. He finished his career with 30 interceptions, 13 forced fumbles, and 9.5 sacks. Adams is remembered as a hardworking and dedicated player who made significant contributions to every team he played for.
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