Star safety Jamal Adams could barely contain his enthusiasm during his first media press conference as a Seattle Seahawk.
“When I got the call, I broke down into tears of joy,” he said, of learning that he had been traded to the Seahawks. “I’m really overwhelmed, but at the same time it’s so surreal to be around a great organization like Seattle and to be coached by legendary coaches, Hall of Fame coaches, and to play with Hall of Famers.”
Adams spoke to local media on Thursday over video chat from his hotel room, a precautionary measure due to current COVID-19-related regulations.
“I would be lying if I said it’s not tough, not being in the building and being around the guys,” he admitted. “But in the end, we have to do what’s right . . . we’ve got to stay safe, take the right precautions so we can play and have a season. Everybody’s been doing a great job of going to get the tests, staying quarantined, being respectful of others’ space.”
Once the team gets on the field, though, Adams is ready to get to work. Although he is universally acknowledged as one of the league’s best defensive backs, he held firm on Thursday that he was not guaranteed a starting spot with his new team.
“I have to earn it,” he said. “There’s a ton of talent out here, a ton of guys out there fighting for those positions. At the end of the day, no one has a starting position yet.”
It is difficult to imagine Adams not earning a starting spot, considering what the Seahawks gave up for him in two first-round picks and safety Bradley McDougald. He and Seattle agreed that he would play under his rookie contract in 2020, with negotiations for an extension beginning in 2021.
“These things take care of themselves,” he said. “That’s not something that I’m really focused on. I’m here to play ball.”
Nevertheless, he added: “The plan is to retire here.”
That should bode well for the Seahawks’ future.
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