R.I.P. Gaines Adams

Yesterday in the NFL playoffs, the Vikings ran over the Cowboys, 34-3. In the later game, the Jets pulled off an incredible upset over the San Diego Chargers, who had won 11 straight at the time. Our conference championship games are set for next week, changing the lives of many fans. More importantly, however, a defensive end's life sadly changed forever. Gaines Adams of the Chicago Bears died yesterday morning after a cardiac arrest due to an enlarged heart.

Adams was the 4th pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. He was drafted originally by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but was traded to Chicago in October of 2009. While he did not live up to his NFL potential (just 13.5 sacks in three NFL seasons), he had an incredible college career. At Clemson, he recorded 28 career sacks with 12.5 of them coming in his senior season. In 2006, Adams was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year while making the All-ACC and All-American teams. As a Clemson fan, I remember when the Tigers played Wake Forest in Adams' senior season. In the game, he blocked a field goal and returned if for a touchdown.

Adam had just finished his third season in the NFL, and although he was not extremely productive, he had plenty of NFL games left in his life to show he could play. All of that went down the drain when he was pronounced dead at 9:00 a.m. As some of you remember, Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris called Adams out and said that he would be a "bust" if he did not reach ten sacks this year. Unfortunately, he came short this year and will never have the opportunity to complete the challenge. R.I.P. Gaines Adams.