Jamal Adams Bio
Jamal Lee Adams is an American professional football linebacker and safety for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Louisiana State University Tigers and was selected by the New York Jets sixth overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. Adams quickly became an impactful starter for the Jets, making the Pro Bowl three times and being named an All-Pro. In 2021, Adams signed a four-year extension with the Seattle Seahawks valued at $72 million, with a $20 million signing bonus and $38 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid safety in the NFL at that time. Adams has also played for the Tennessee Titans and the Detroit Lions.
Early Life and Background
Jamal Adams was born on October 17, 1995, in Lewisville, Texas. He attended Hebron High School in Carrollton, Texas, where he played high school football. During his final two years, he recorded 138 tackles and seven interceptions on defense, along with 20 touchdowns on offense. In his senior year, Hebron finished with an 8–4 record, advancing to the UIL 5A Division II Area final at AT&T Stadium. Adams was rated by Scout.com as a five-star recruit and was among the top 10 recruits in his class. He committed to Louisiana State University (LSU) to play college football.
Path to American Football
At LSU, Adams played in all 13 games with two starts as a true freshman in 2014, accumulating 66 tackles and a sack. As a sophomore, he was named a second-team All-Southeastern Conference selection, and as a junior, he earned a spot on the AP All-SEC first team. On January 6, 2017, Adams announced that he would forgo his senior season and enter the 2017 NFL Draft. Coming out of college, he was projected to be a first-round pick, with many analysts ranking him as the top safety in the draft.
Jamal Adams Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
The New York Jets selected Jamal Adams in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft. He was the first safety selected that year. On July 20, 2017, Adams signed a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $22.25 million, including a $14.32 million signing bonus. He entered training camp competing for a starting role and was named the starting strong safety to begin the regular season. Adams made his professional debut in the Jets’ season opener against the Buffalo Bills, recording five combined tackles. He finished his rookie season with 83 combined tackles, six pass deflections, and two sacks, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Breakthrough (2018–2020)
In 2018, Adams was named a captain on the Jets’ roster and recorded his first career interception in the season opener against the Detroit Lions. He finished the season with 115 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time. In 2019, he continued to excel, recording a 61-yard pick-six against the New England Patriots and finishing the season with notable performances, including a career-high three sacks against the Washington Redskins. Adams was named to his second consecutive Pro Bowl and earned his first career First-team All-Pro selection.
Notable Works and Milestones
Adams is recognized for his signature work as a defensive back, particularly for his record-setting performance in 2020, where he recorded 9.5 sacks, the most by a defensive back in a single season. He has received multiple accolades, including being named to the Pro Bowl three times and earning All-Pro honors.
Jamal Adams Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jamal Adams has received numerous nominations, including selections to the Pro Bowl in 2018, 2019, and 2020, showcasing his impact and recognition in the league.
Jamal Adams Awards Won
Jamal Adams has received several awards, including being named First-team All-Pro in 2019 and Second-team All-Pro in 2018 and 2020. He was also recognized as a member of the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2017 and earned First-team All-American honors in 2016.
Jamal Adams Family
Jamal Adams is the son of Michelle and George Adams. His father, George, played in the NFL from 1985 to 1991 as a running back.
Personal Life
Adams is known to be a pescatarian, maintaining a diet that includes fish but excludes other meats. He has not publicly disclosed details about his marital status or children.
