Jamal Adams: Complete Guide to the NFL's "President" and His Career Comeback

Introduction: A Star on the Move

Jamal Adams has been one of the most talked-about defensive players in the NFL for nearly a decade. Known for his hard-hitting style, leadership, and versatility, Adams has played safety and linebacker for multiple teams, earning three Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors along the way . After a career that has seen incredible highs and frustrating injuries, Adams is now entering his 10th NFL season with the Minnesota Vikings .

At News Plus Globe, we track the careers of athletes who shape the game. Jamal Adams' journey from first-round draft pick to record-breaking safety, and from injury struggles to a position switch and a new team, is one of resilience and reinvention .

Early Life and College Stardom

Born to Play Football

Jamal Lee Adams was born on October 17, 1995, in Lewisville, Texas . He grew up in a football family — his father, George Adams, was a running back who played for the New York Giants and New England Patriots in the 1980s. Football was in his blood, and Jamal quickly developed into a standout player at Hebron High School in Carrollton, Texas .

LSU Tiger

Adams attended Louisiana State University, where he played for the LSU Tigers from 2014 to 2016. He was a disruptive force in the secondary, known for his leadership and his ability to play close to the line of scrimmage . In his junior season, he was named a First-Team All-American and All-SEC selection, with 42 solo tackles, eight tackles for loss, and four pass deflections . His teammates gave him the nickname "President" because of his natural leadership on defense — a title that has stuck with him throughout his career .

The NFL Draft and the New York Jets

Sixth Overall Pick

Adams was selected sixth overall by the New York Jets in the 2017 NFL Draft . He signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $22.25 million contract that included a $14.32 million signing bonus .

Immediate Impact

Adams made his presence felt immediately. In his rookie season, he started all 16 games, recording 83 combined tackles, six pass deflections, and two sacks . He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team . By his second season, he was a captain on the Jets' defense . In 2018, Adams recorded 115 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and his first career interception .

All-Pro and Pro Bowl Seasons

Adams was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2018 and earned Second-Team All-Pro honors . In 2019, he had a breakout season, recording 6.5 sacks, including a three-sack game against Washington, and a 61-yard pick-six against the Patriots . He was named First-Team All-Pro and earned his second Pro Bowl selection . By the end of his Jets tenure, Adams had accumulated 12 sacks and 28 tackles for loss — the most of any defensive back in the league between 2017 and 2019 .

The Seattle Seahawks Trade and Record-Setting Season

A Blockbuster Trade

On July 25, 2020, the Jets traded Adams to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for safety Bradley McDougald, two first-round picks, and a third-round pick . The deal was one of the most significant trades in recent NFL history, and expectations were sky-high .

The 2020 Season: Breaking Records

Adams delivered in his first season with the Seahawks . He played 12 games, recorded 9.5 sacks, and broke the NFL record for most sacks in a single season by a defensive back . He also added 83 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble . Adams earned his third Pro Bowl selection and another Second-Team All-Pro nod, and the Seahawks won the NFC West .

A Record-Breaking Extension

In August 2021, the Seahawks signed Adams to a four-year extension worth up to $72 million, with a $20 million signing bonus and $38 million guaranteed . At the time, he was the highest-paid safety in NFL history .

Injury Struggles and Decline

A Series of Setbacks

After his record-setting 2020 season, Adams' career took a downturn due to a series of serious injuries :

• 2021: Tore his labrum in Week 13, missing the remainder of the season.

• 2022: Tore his quad tendon in Week 1, missing almost the entire season.

• 2023: Missed the first three games on the PUP list, played nine games, then was placed on injured reserve again with lingering knee discomfort .

During his final three seasons in Seattle, Adams missed 28 regular-season games and failed to record a single sack .

Release by the Seahawks

In March 2024, the Seahawks released Adams, creating over $20 million in dead cap space . It was a disappointing end to a tenure that had started with so much promise.

A Year of Transition

Tennessee Titans

After his release, Adams signed a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans . He appeared in only three games and made four tackles before being released at his request in October 2024 .

Detroit Lions

Adams then signed with the Detroit Lions' practice squad, with the expectation that he would be promoted to the active roster . He appeared in only a handful of games before his tenure with the Lions ended .

Las Vegas Raiders: The Position Switch

In 2025, Adams signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting with former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll . The Raiders converted him from safety to linebacker, a move that allowed him to use his physicality closer to the line of scrimmage . He appeared in all 17 games for the Raiders, recording 45 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and seven pressures .

Career Statistics

Overall NFL Stats

CategoryTotalGames Played102Tackles546Sacks22.5Interceptions4Pass Deflections36Forced Fumbles8Fumble Recoveries4Touchdowns1

The Minnesota Vikings Move

A New Chapter

On July 27, 2026, Jamal Adams announced his next move on social media, posting "Year 10. #skol" alongside a Vikings logo . NFL Network and ESPN confirmed that Adams would be joining the Minnesota Vikings for his 10th NFL season .

Adams, now 30 years old, will be expected to contribute to the Vikings' linebacker corps . The Vikings, who finished 9-8-1 in 2025 but missed the playoffs, are looking for veteran depth on defense .

Conclusion: A Career of Resilience

Jamal Adams has had one of the most unusual careers in the NFL. He was a first-round pick who earned three Pro Bowl selections, became the highest-paid safety in the league, broke a record for sacks by a defensive back, and then lost his spot due to injuries . But he has not given up. His move to linebacker with the Raiders, followed by his new opportunity with the Vikings, shows his determination to stay in the league and find a way to contribute .

News Plus Globe will continue to follow Jamal Adams' career as he heads into Year 10 with the Minnesota Vikings.