Rodney Adams Joins The Picklr: Rodney Adams, a former NFL wide receiver, is training in Loveland, Colorado, with the goal of becoming a professional pickleball player. Adams, who resides in Timnath, has joined The Picklr, a pickleball complex in Loveland, to sharpen his skills in the fastest-growing sport in the United States.
Transitioning from the NFL to Pickleball
Adams was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2017 and played five years in the NFL before stepping away from football in 2022. Like many professional athletes, he faced the challenge of finding a new passion after leaving his sport. However, Adams quickly found another competitive outlet in pickleball.
His journey into the sport began after a former football teammate introduced him to pickleball. Though he was interested in pursuing it earlier, his NFL contracts restricted him from playing other sports. Now free from those limitations, Adams is committed to training seriously.
“My main focus is now to compete at the highest level. Pickleball gave me a glint in my eye – the same as I had with football – and I just knew where my next journey was,” (Rodney Adams said in a press release).
Guidance from Pickleball Pros
Adams has been working with top pickleball figures, including pro player Eli Steiner, Pickleball Hall of Fame nominee Kyle Yates, and The Picklr Loveland owner Leslie Arnold. Yates, a former No. 1-ranked player in the world, has been mentoring Adams as he refines his game.
“His determination is contagious; I’m excited to help him achieve his goals in this new sport. To get to where he wants to be, he must be trained by people who can get him there, and we at The Picklr have that experience,” (Kyle Yates).
Arnold also praised Adams for his dedication.
“Wherever Rodney ends up, he’ll get there because he believes in himself,” (Leslie Arnold said in the release).
Expanding His Athletic Career
Pickleball isn’t the only new sport Adams is pursuing. He recently announced that he would become the first former NFL player to join a team in the Ultimate Frisbee Association. His continued passion for competition has driven him to explore new athletic opportunities beyond football.
With guidance from seasoned pickleball professionals, Adams is determined to reach the highest level in the sport. His journey is just beginning, but his dedication and competitive spirit position him well for success.
News in Brief: Rodney Adams Joins The Picklr
Former NFL wide receiver Rodney Adams is training at The Picklr in Loveland, Colorado, to become a professional pickleball player. With guidance from top pros, including Kyle Yates, Adams is committed to competing at the highest level. He was introduced to pickleball by a former teammate and is embracing his next athletic challenge.
ALSO READ: Pickleball Gets a Home in Birmingham: The Picklr Opens on March 15