Jamal Adams is quickly becoming the talk of the NFL.
Not only is there constant speculation about his future with the Jets, but Adams has been adamant about social issues in the country and in the league over recent weeks. He is quickly developing a voice of his own among his peers.
Texans safety Michael Thomas has especially taken notice. The former Giant and Dolphin recently wrote in Peter King’s weekly Football Morning in America column that he believes Adams could become one of the “faces of the league.” Right now, that moniker belongs mostly to offensive players – especially quarterbacks – and a few defensive players like 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman. But Thomas believes Adams has the talent and demeanor to take up that mantle in the future.
“Obviously that persona has to come with performing on the field, and that’s why I think Jamal Adams is probably the next big thing who could fill that outsized role after Richard Sherman,” Thomas wrote. “His productivity on the field is there.
“I don’t know what exactly the hype looks like – maybe it’s commercials, like Troy Polamalu with the hair, or maybe it’s getting to the point where, like Sherm, he’s big enough to make it on the cover of Madden. Whatever it is, I just want that for our defensive players, that shine, visibility and compensation, even if it means leaning into that role as a villain.”
Right now, Adams fits that villain role – at least to Jets fans.
Adams wants either a trade or a mega-contract before the 2020 season. The Jets appear unlikely or unwilling to give him either, as they control his contract for at least two more seasons. For what it’s worth, Le’Veon Bell believes Adams wants to stay in New York. We’ll see if he’s right.
To the rest of the league, though, Adams fits the bill as a vocal leader and bonafide star. He’s made two consecutive Pro Bowls in three seasons, turned into a sack machine in 2019 and commands the Jets defense in the secondary.
Adams has been a social advocate as well. He’s marched with protests after the murder of George Floyd and he joined other NFL stars in a video message urging Roger Goodell to say “Black Lives Matter” and make efforts to end social and racial inequalities in the United States– including police brutality.
Thomas is right to pick Adams as the next wave of stars in the NFL. He has all the makings of one right now. He just needs to keep it up, and also figure out his short-term future.