Training camp is mostly about getting a team ready for the regular season in the NFL. However, it is also a perfect time for opportunities. Players can go from obscurity to cracking the main roster with a strong performance during the month-long grind. It seems like one or two names emerge every year that Chicago Bears fans never expected. This time is no different, but one of the stories they have unfolding might be the most interesting.
The name Rodney Adams probably won’t mean much to casual fans. They would never know that the 26-year old has had maybe the craziest past few years an NFL player has ever had. The wide receiver established himself as a versatile playmaker at South Florida. His mixture of speed and competitiveness enabled him to pop big plays both in the passing game and even the running game. This was enough to get him drafted in the 5th round by Minnesota back in 2017.
Then things changed.
After an uneventful rookie season, Adams made a shocking life decision. At just 23-years old, he retired from football. His reason? The desire to pursue a career in acting. Something he’d dreamed about since he was a kid. Things were difficult but he had some success. A few commercials, some brief TV roles, and other bits. He was fully committed to that new life. But the pull of football is strong.
After two years, he realized he wanted to unretire and return to the NFL. After briefly rejoining the Vikings, he landed with the Indianapolis Colts in February of 2020 but failed to make the final roster. Just over two weeks after being waived, he got a call from the Bears. Eventually, he landed on their practice squad where he would remain for the rest of the season. Fast forward to training camp now? It appears Adams wasn’t idle during the offseason. He’s making considerable noise.
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In 7-on-7, Justin Fields with a nice deep ball down the left side complete to WR Rodney Adams with DB Thomas Graham in tight coverage.
— Sean Hammond (@sean_hammond) August 3, 2021
Rodney Adams is catching more balls than anyone not named Allen Robinson or Darnell Mooney in camp. Just got a deep shot from Andy Dalton in 7-on-7.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) August 7, 2021
Justin Fields with a really nice throw to the sideline to Rodney Adams. Impressive stuff. #Bears
— Bear Report (@BearReport) August 7, 2021
Beautiful throw by Justin Fields to Rodney Adams #trainingcamp pic.twitter.com/hxtx2ZCtW8
— Aman (@Amann2501) August 7, 2021
Chicago Bears have quite a battle unfolding at wide receiver
The top four spots seem to be secure with Allen Robinson, Darnell Mooney, Marquise Goodwin, and Damiere Byrd. After that? It becomes more interesting. Many will assume 6th round pick Dazz Newsome is automatically in but that isn’t necessarily true. He already missed time with a broken collarbone and hasn’t stood out thus far since returning to practice. Meanwhile, others have continued to flash. Not just Adams but Jon’Vea Johnson and Chris Lacy as well.
All are challenging Javon Wims and Riley Ridley for those final two spots. Adams standing out as he has for the past week is certainly helping his case. He was drafted for a reason. The Vikings have a strong track record at the wide receiver position too. They knew the young man had speed an alpha-like will to grab the football. It was a matter of whether he could improve as a route runner.
Something they never really got a chance to see.
The Chicago Bears have now had a chance to work with him for almost a full year. It seems they are seeing some fruits from their labor. There is a long way to go, but Adams is on the right path. His value also increases thanks to some experience as a kick returner. Something the team needs after losing Cordarrelle Patterson. It is going to be fun watching him in action when the preseason kicks off. What a comeback story it would be.
