Max Adler Bio
Max Adler is an Israeli-American professional lacrosse player recognized for his work as a faceoff specialist in the field game and as a defenseman in box lacrosse. Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, he built his reputation through a standout collegiate career at Bentley University before turning professional in 2017. Adler has competed for the Denver Outlaws, Chaos Lacrosse Club, and Buffalo Bandits, earning recognition as an All-Star and a champion at multiple levels of the sport.
Across both outdoor and indoor leagues, Adler has become known for his reliability at the faceoff X and his steady two-way play. In addition to his playing career, he represents Israel in international competition and works as a financial analyst for ESPN.
Early Life and Background
Max Adler was born on July 6, 1994, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and holds Israeli-American nationality. He grew up in Florida before attending Northfield Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts, where he initially planned to pursue collegiate wrestling. A series of injuries cut short his wrestling ambitions, redirecting his athletic focus during his high school years.
It was not until his freshman year of high school that Adler first picked up a lacrosse stick, a late start for a player who would later become one of the most accurate faceoff men in the professional ranks. His brother, Mike Adler, also went on to play collegiate lacrosse at Saint Joseph’s University and Duke University, giving the family a clear connection to the sport.
Path to Lacrosse
Adler arrived at Bentley University as a walk-on during his freshman season and was initially listed as the program’s fifth faceoff specialist. Over the next four years, he climbed the depth chart through steady improvement and a strong work ethic, eventually earning a starting role and finishing his collegiate career as a two-time NCAA Division II All-American.
His development at Bentley caught the attention of Major League Lacrosse scouts, and he was selected 61st overall by the Denver Outlaws in the 2017 MLL Draft. The transition from Division II walk-on to professional draft pick marked the beginning of Adler’s rise in the professional game.
Max Adler Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
Adler joined the Denver Outlaws in 2017 and quickly forced his way into the lineup after primary faceoff specialist Tommy Kelly suffered an injury. He took advantage of the opportunity, providing stability at the faceoff X during his rookie professional season.
In 2018, Adler helped lead the Outlaws to the Steinfeld Trophy, the championship of Major League Lacrosse. That season he led the entire league with a 57.7% faceoff winning percentage, establishing himself as one of the premier faceoff men in the country.
Premier Lacrosse League Breakthrough (2019–2020)
When the Premier Lacrosse League launched in 2019, Adler declined an invitation to join, citing loyalty to the Denver Outlaws and a preference for a city-based franchise. He continued his strong play in MLL, earning All-Star honors in 2019 and being named the 2020 MLL Faceoff Specialist of the Year.
On August 10, 2019, against the Chesapeake Bayhawks, Adler won the final 23 faceoffs he took, posting a 95.83% success rate that set a new MLL record. After MLL merged with the PLL, Adler joined the Chaos Lacrosse Club and won the PLL Championship in his first season with the team.
Buffalo Bandits Era (2022–Present)
Despite having no prior experience in box lacrosse, Adler joined the Buffalo Bandits midway through the 2022 NLL season as the team looked to address its faceoff issues. He reunited with several Chaos teammates in Buffalo and scored his first NLL goal on a penalty shot against the Rochester Knighthawks.
In the 2022-23 season, Adler was an integral part of the Bandits’ championship-winning roster. He won 64.5% of his faceoffs in the NLL Finals against the Colorado Mammoth and recorded his first career playoff goal during a 13-4 Game 3 victory, winning a faceoff clean and beating goaltender Dillon Ward to give Buffalo a 12-4 lead. After the title, Adler stepped away from lacrosse to focus on his personal life and career, though he expressed a desire to return to the sport. He has also been listed with the Vancouver Warriors in box lacrosse.
Driving Style and Strengths
Adler’s game is built on precision and consistency at the faceoff X, where his quick hands and technique allow him to win clean possessions at a high rate. His record-setting 95.83% performance in 2019 demonstrated his ability to dominate a specific phase of the game, while his transition into box lacrosse highlighted his willingness to expand his skill set.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Adler’s signature moments are his 2018 Steinfeld Trophy win with the Denver Outlaws, his 2019 record-setting faceoff performance against the Chesapeake Bayhawks, and his 2022-23 NLL championship with the Buffalo Bandits. He has also been recognized as a PLL Champion following the MLL-PLL merger.
Max Adler Career Wins
Max Adler has collected major championships and individual awards at multiple levels of professional lacrosse. His trophy case includes the 2018 MLL Steinfeld Trophy with the Denver Outlaws, a PLL Championship with Chaos Lacrosse Club, and the 2022-23 NLL title with the Buffalo Bandits, along with All-Star and Faceoff Specialist of the Year recognition.
Major League Lacrosse Highlights
Adler won the 2018 Steinfeld Trophy in his second professional season and was selected as an MLL All-Star in 2019. He closed his MLL career by being named the 2020 Faceoff Specialist of the Year, capping a stretch in which he led the league in faceoff percentage.
Premier Lacrosse League Highlights
After joining Chaos Lacrosse Club following the MLL-PLL merger, Adler won the PLL Championship in his first season with the club, adding a second outdoor professional title to his résumé.
National Lacrosse League Highlights
In his first full box lacrosse experience, Adler helped the Buffalo Bandits capture the 2022-23 NLL Championship, posting a 64.5% faceoff winning rate in the Finals and scoring his first career playoff goal in the clinching game.
Other Wins & Performances
Adler has represented Israel in the FIL World Lacrosse Championship, contributing on the international stage in addition to his club accomplishments.
Max Adler Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Adler’s brother, Mike Adler, played collegiate lacrosse at Saint Joseph’s University and Duke University, giving the family a direct link to the sport at the NCAA level.
Personal Life
Outside of lacrosse, Max Adler works as a financial analyst for ESPN. After the 2022-23 NLL championship, he stepped away from the sport to focus on his personal life and career, while indicating a hope to return to professional lacrosse in the future.
2025 Season Performance
Entering 2025, Adler remains connected to the Chaos Lacrosse Club in the Premier Lacrosse League and the Buffalo Bandits in the National Lacrosse League, where he has continued to contribute as a faceoff specialist. His prior championships and individual awards position him as a veteran presence on both rosters heading into the new season.
With the Bandits coming off their 2022-23 title run, Adler’s faceoff work and box experience remain valuable assets. His ability to win clean possessions at a high rate provides a foundation for any team he joins, while his international experience with Israel adds another dimension to his profile.
As the 2025 PLL and NLL seasons unfold, Adler’s focus on returning to competitive form will be a key storyline. His track record of big performances, including record-setting faceoff nights and championship-clinching goals, suggests he remains capable of influencing results whenever he steps on the field.