Davante Adams has long been known as a quiet receiver with the skill set of an All-Pro, a reputation he carried during his time with the Green Bay Packers.
With a four-time NFL MVP quarterback by his side, Adams never had to be a vocal presence in the locker room for any team he played on.
That changed after he joined the New York Jets.
Following the Jets’ fourth consecutive loss, and their first with Adams on the roster, against the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday, the former Raider and Packer addressed the locker room with a clear and powerful message.
It was a message that resonated with the rest of the team.
“Obviously, there was a lack of energy and urgency out there. It was apparent,” Adams said on Wednesday. “I’ve played on teams that have that winning culture.
Basically, I took a moment to let them know. I had reservations about speaking up too early and being too vocal, but in my mind, I said, ‘F that,’ because we don’t have time. I’ve got to do whatever I can to help this team move forward.
“I wouldn’t have been able to sleep if I didn’t speak up on it.”
Adams acknowledged that it wasn’t in his nature to address a team he had just joined, but he felt something needed to be done to get the roster back on track.
“It‘s not really in my personality to see something that’s not right and let it go on,” Adams explained.
“Regardless of whether it’s from the coaches, players, management, or support staff. Whatever. So, obviously, there was a lack of energy and urgency out there.
And it was apparent, especially coming from… I’ve played on teams that had that winning culture.”
After his speech, Aaron Rodgers described it as the “realest” speech he had heard throughout his career.
Will it be enough to turn things around for the Jets? That remains to be seen. But it’s clear that Adams is ready to be more than just a great receiver.
