Mike Adams (safety)

Adams was born in Paterson, New Jersey. A native of Wayne, New Jersey, Adams attended PCTI in Wayne, where he helped guide his team to the New Jersey Group 4 state title in 1998.{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts: Mike Adams |url=http://www.colts.com/team/roster/Mike-Adams/f40f61df-fa0b-4957-a512-d846032469cd |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104181101/http://www.colts.com/team/roster/mike-adams/f40f61df-fa0b-4957-a512-d846032469cd/ |archive-date=January 4, 2016 |access-date=December 17, 2015 |website=colts.com}} Adams attended Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne, New Jersey before going on to the University of Delaware.{{Cite news |title=Adams returns to Jersey seeking title |language=en |work=Newsday |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/super-bowl/broncos-mike-adams-returns-to-jersey-seeking-title-1.6920644 |access-date=November 2, 2018}}

At Delaware, he played 43 times with 23 starts. During his college career he made 213 tackles and 11 interceptions. He earned second-team All-Atlantic 10 honors as a senior. He was undrafted in the 2004 NFL draft.{{Cite news |title=Former Delaware captain Adams still going strong in 15th NFL season |language=en |work=Delaware Online |url=https://www.delawareonline.com/story/sports/college/ud/2018/10/21/ex-delaware-captain-adams-going-strong-15th-nfl-season-panther/1654681002/ |access-date=November 2, 2018}}{{Cite news |date=April 26, 2018 |title=Panthers S Mike Adams shares message for undrafted players |language=en-US |work=USA Today |url=https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2018/04/26/panthers-s-mike-adams-shares-message-for-undrafted-players/ |access-date=November 2, 2018}}

On April 28, 2004, the San Francisco 49ers signed Adams to a three-year, $879,885 contract as an undrafted free agent.

Throughout training camp, he competed for a roster spot as a backup safety, cornerback, and special teams player against fellow rookie Keith Lewis. On September 4, 2004, the San Francisco 49ers waived Adams as part of their final roster cuts, but signed him to their practice squad two days later after he cleared waivers.

On November 13, 2004, the San Francisco 49ers elevated Adams to their active roster. Head coach Dennis Erickson named Adams a backup free safety behind Ronnie Heard.{{Cite web |title=Pro Football Reference: 2004 San Francisco 49ers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/2004_roster.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |accessdate=May 13, 2018}} On November 14, 2004, Adams made his professional regular season debut in their 49ers' 37–27 loss in Week 10. On November 28, 2004, Adams recorded a season-high three combined tackles, a pass deflection, and made his first career interception off a pass by quarterback A. J. Feeley during a 24–17 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 12. He finished his rookie season in {{NFL Year|2004}} with nine combined tackles (four solo), a pass deflection, and an interception in eight games and zero starts.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Mike Adams (career) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/mikeadams/2505708/careerstats |publisher=National Football League |accessdate=May 13, 2018}}

On January 6, 2005, the San Francisco 49ers fired head coach Dennis Erickson after they finished with a 2–14 record.{{Cite news |last=Maske |first=Mark |date=January 6, 2005 |title=49ers fire Erickson, Donahue departs |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2005/01/06/49ers-fire-erickson-gm-donahue-departs/08925bda-cda2-479a-96b9-b60fb4833378/ |access-date=May 13, 2018 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} Defensive coordinator Billy Davis held an open competition to name a starting free safety. Adams competed for the role against Ronnie Heard, Keith Lewis, and Mike Rumph, while also seeing time at cornerback. Head coach Mike Nolan named Adams the third-string free safety to start the regular season, behind Mike Rumph and Keith Lewis.{{Cite web |title=Football Database: 2005 San Francisco 49ers Roster |url=https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/roster/2005 |website=footballdb.com |accessdate=May 13, 2018}} He was also named the first-team nickelback to begin the regular season.

He appeared in the San Francisco 49ers' season-opener against the St. Louis Rams and recorded four solo tackles, two pass deflections, an interception, and made his first career sack on quarterback Marc Bulger in their 28–25 victory. On September 27, 2005, head coach Mike Nolan announced he'd be moving Adams from nickelback to starting free safety after Rumph sustained a foot injury.{{Cite web |last=Lynch |first=Kevin |date=September 27, 2005 |title=Plummer injury forces tinkering |url=https://www.sfgate.com/sports/Plummer-injury-forces-tinkering-2576986.php |access-date=May 13, 2018 |website=San Francisco Chronicle}}{{Cite web |date=August 14, 2006 |title=Redskins ship WR Jacobs to Niners for CB Rumph |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2549639 |publisher=ESPN |accessdate=May 13, 2018}} On October 2, 2005, Adams earned his first career start and recorded three solo tackles during a 31–14 victory against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4. The following week, he collected a season-high nine combined tackles and a pass deflection during a 28–3 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5. Adams was sidelined for two games (Weeks 14–15) after spraining his knee in Week 13.{{Cite web |last=Lynch |first=Kevin |date=September 8, 2005 |title=49ERS NOTEBOOK: Adams latest to join ranks of injured |url=https://sfgate.com/sports/article/49ERS-NOTEBOOK-Adams-latest-to-join-ranks-of-2557853.php |access-date=May 13, 2018 |website=San Francisco Chronicle}} On January 1, 2006, Adams recorded six combined tackles, three pass deflections, and intercepted two pass attempts by David Carr during a 20–17 victory against the Houston Texans in Week 17.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Mike Adams (2005) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/mikeadams/2505708/gamelogs?season=2005 |publisher=National Football League |accessdate=May 13, 2018}} Adams completed the {{NFL Year|2005}} season with 74 combined tackles (57 solo), five pass deflections, four interceptions, and a sack in 14 games and ten starts.

Throughout training camp, Adams competed to retain his role as the starting free safety against Keith Lewis and Tony Parrish.{{Cite web |title=Rotowire.com: Keith Lewis |url=https://www.rotowire.com/football/player.htm?id=4050 |website=rotowire.com |accessdate=May 13, 2018}} Head coach Mike Nolan named Adams the starting free safety to begin the regular season, opposite strong safety Tony Parrish.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart: 09/01/2006 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/14/SF |website=ourlads.com |accessdate=May 13, 2018}}

He started in the San Francisco 49ers' season-opener at the Arizona Cardinals and collected a season-high eight combined tackles in their 34–27 loss. In Week 8, he tied his season-high of eight combined tackles during a 41–10 loss at the Chicago Bears.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Mike Adams (2006) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/mikeadams/2505708/gamelogs?season=2006 |publisher=National Football League |accessdate=May 13, 2018}} In Week 9, Adams was demoted to being a backup behind Keith Lewis and was also relegated to being a nickelback.{{Cite web |title=Everybody pitches in for 49ers on defense |url=https://www.sfgate.com/sports/Everybody-pitches-in-for-49ers-on-defense-2485406.php |access-date=May 13, 2018 |website=San Francisco Chronicle}} He finished the season with 64 combined tackles (54 solo) and three pass deflections in 16 games and eight starts.

On April 2, 2007, the Cleveland Browns signed Adams to a two-year, $1.21 million contract. During training camp, Adams competed to be a backup safety against Gary Baxter, Justin Hamilton, and Nick Sorensen.{{Cite web |last=Holibaugh, Cory |date=July 31, 2007 |title=Baxter a medical miracle |url=http://www.news-herald.com/general-news/20070731/baxter-a-medical-miracle |website=news-herald.com |accessdate=May 13, 2018}}{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns Depth Chart: 07/01/2007 |url=https://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/15/CLE |website=Ourlads.com |accessdate=September 8, 2021}} Head coach Romeo Crennel named Adams the backup free safety, behind Brodney Pool, to begin the regular season.{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns Depth Chart: 09/02/2007 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/17/CLE |website=Ourlads.com |accessdate=May 13, 2018}} In Week 11, Adams had one tackle and made his second career sack on quarterback Kyle Boller during a 33–30 victory at the Baltimore Ravens. On December 2, 2007, he collected a season-high five solo tackles in the Browns' 27–21 loss at the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Mike Adams (2007) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/mikeadams/2505708/gamelogs?season=2007 |website=NFL com |accessdate=May 13, 2018}} Adams was limited to a backup role and did not receive any starts in 2007, but managed to finish the season with 29 combined tackles (27 solo), a pass deflection, and a sack in 16 games.

He entered training camp in 2008 and competed for a roster spot as a backup safety against Gary Baxter, Nick Sorensen, and Steve Cargile. Head coach Romeo Crennel retained Adams as the backup free safety behind Brodney Pool to start the 2008 regular season.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Cleveland Browns Depth Chart: 08/29/2008 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/29/CLE |website=ourlads.com |accessdate=May 13, 2018}}

He started in the Cleveland Browns' season-opener against the Dallas Cowboys and recorded eight solo tackles in their 28–10 loss. Adams earned the start after Brodney Pool was inactive due to a concussion he suffered during the preseason.{{Cite web |last=Turner |first=Jamie |date=August 30, 2008 |title=Browns Insider: Injuries prompt roster uncertainty for opener against Cowboys |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2008/08/browns_insider_injuries_prompt.html |access-date=May 13, 2018 |website=The Plain Dealer}} The following week, he started in place of Sean Jones who was inactive for the next four games (Weeks 2–6) after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery.{{Cite web |last=Starkey |first=Mike |date=September 10, 2008 |title=Cleveland Browns safety Sean Jones out with knee surgery |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2008/09/cleveland_browns_safety_sean_j.html |access-date=May 13, 2018 |website=The Plain Dealer}} In Week 3, Adams made his second start at strong safety in place of Jones and recorded four combined tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception during a 28–10 loss at the Baltimore Ravens. On October 13, 2008, he collected a season-high five solo tackles in the Browns' 35–14 win against the New York Giants in Week 6.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Mike Adams (2008) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/mikeadams/2505708/gamelogs?season=2008 |publisher=National Football League |accessdate=May 13, 2018}} Adams sustained a hamstring injury and was sidelined for two games (Weeks 7–8).{{Cite web |last=Turner |first=Jamie |date=October 19, 2008 |title=Postgame scribbles from Browns-Redskins |url=http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2008/10/halftime_scribbles_during_brow.html |access-date=May 13, 2018 |website=The Plain Dealer}} He finished the {{NFL Year|2008}} season with 44 combined tackles (36 solo), two pass deflections, and two interceptions in 14 games and five starts. On December 29, 2008, the Cleveland Browns fired head coach Romeo Crennel after they finished the season with a 4–12 record.{{Cite news |last=Withers |first=Tom |date=December 29, 2008 |title=Cleveland Browns fire coach Romeo Crennel |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/29/AR2008122900652_pf.html |access-date=May 13, 2018 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}

On March 5, 2009, the Cleveland Browns signed Adams to a three-year, $4.10 million contract.{{Cite web |title=Spotrac.com: Mike Adams contract |url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/carolina-panthers/mike-adams-1412/ |website=spotrac.com |accessdate=May 13, 2018}}{{Cite web |last=Grossi |first=Tony |date=March 13, 2009 |title=Bonus contracts hancuff Browns |url=http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2009/03/bonus_contracts_handcuff_brown.html |access-date=May 13, 2018 |website=The Plain Dealer}} Throughout training camp, Adams competed for the starting strong safety job against Abram Elam after Sean Jones departed for the Philadelphia Eagles during free agency.{{Cite web |last=Wolf, Daniel |date=May 8, 2009 |title=Cleveland Browns Preview: Position Battles During Training Camp |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/170509-a-preview-of-the-browns-position-battles-in-training-camp |website=bleacherreport.com |accessdate=May 13, 2018}} Head coach Eric Mangini named Adams the primary backup safety to start the regular season, behind starters Abram Elam and Brodney Pool.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Cleveland Browns Depth Chart: 09/06/2009 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/40/CLE |website=Ourlads.com |accessdate=May 13, 2018}} On November 29, 2009, Adams recorded a season-high ten combined tackles (six solo) during a 16–7 loss at the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12. He came in during the second quarter after Brodney Pool sustained a concussion. On December 2, 2009, head coach Eric Mangini named Adams the starting free safety for the remainder of the season due to expectations that Pool would miss the rest of the season after sustaining a concussion.{{Cite web |last=Petrak |first=Scott |date=December 2, 2009 |title=Browns safety Brodney Pool likely out for the season |url=http://www.chroniclet.com/sports/2009/12/02/Browns-safety-Brodney-Pool-likely-out-for-the-season.html |access-date=May 13, 2018 |website=chroniclet.com}} He completed the {{NFL Year|2009}} season with 69 combined tackles (58 solo), eight pass deflections, and a sack in 16 games and nine starts.

In 2010, Adams competed for the job as the starting free safety against Abram Elam and Ray Ventrone during training camp.{{Cite web |last=Pokorny |first=Chris |date=June 10, 2010 |title=Cleveland Browns Mini-Camp Recap (Day 1) – Passing Game Struggles |url=https://www.dawgsbynature.com/platform/2010/6/10/1512477/cleveland-browns-mini-camp-recap |access-date=May 13, 2018 |website=dawgsbynature.com}} Head coach Eric Mangini named Adams the backup free safety to start the season, behind Abram Elam.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Cleveland Browns Depth Chart: 09/06/2010 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/111/CLE |website=ourlads.com |accessdate=May 13, 2018}} He started in the Cleveland Browns' at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and collected seven combined tackles, made a season-high three pass deflections, and an interception in their 17–14 loss. Adams was inactive for the Browns' Week 11 loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars due to an abdomen injury.{{Cite web |date=November 20, 2010 |title=Browns rule out WR/KR Cribbs vs. Jags; DB Adams also no-go |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81c43ace/article/browns-rule-out-wrkr-cribbs-vs-jags-db-adams-also-nogo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122053554/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81c43ace/article/browns-rule-out-wrkr-cribbs-vs-jags-db-adams-also-nogo |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 22, 2010 |publisher=National Football League |accessdate=May 13, 2018}} On December 5, 2010, Adams recorded three combined tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception in the Browns' 13–10 victory at the Miami Dolphins in Week 13. He intercepted a pass by quarterback Chad Henne that was deflected by Browns defensive lineman David Bowens and returned it 25-yards to the two-yard line. His interception set up a 23-yard game-winning field goal by Phil Dawson as time expired in the fourth quarter.{{Cite web |last=Wine |first=Steven |date=December 6, 2010 |title=Comedy of errors: Browns beat Miami 13–10 |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-comedy-of-errors-browns-beat-miami-13-10-2010dec06-story.html |access-date=May 13, 2018 |website=The San Diego Union-Tribune}} He finished the season with 45 combined tackles (39 solo), six pass deflections, two interceptions, and a sack in 15 games and two starts.

On January 4, 2011, the Cleveland Browns fired head coach Eric Mangini after the Browns finished with a 5–11 record in 2010.{{Cite web |date=January 4, 2011 |title=Browns fire coach Eric Mangini |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5984058 |publisher=ESPN |accessdate=May 13, 2018}} During training camp, Adams competed to be the starting free safety against Usama Young. Head coach Pat Shurmur named Adams the starter to begin the regular season, along with strong safety T. J. Ward.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Cleveland Browns Depth Chart: 09/04/2011 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/123/CLE |website=Ourlads.com |accessdate=May 13, 2018}} In Week 4, he made two solo tackles, a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass by Jake Locker during a 31–13 loss to the Tennessee Titans. It marked his second consecutive game with an interception. On December 8, 2011, Adams collected a season-high ten combined tackles (six solo), broke up a pass, and intercepted a pass by Ben Roethlisberger in the Browns' 14–3 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Mike Adams (2011) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/mikeadams/2505708/gamelogs?season=2011 |publisher=National Football League |accessdate=May 13, 2018}} He completed the {{NFL Year|2011}} season with 64 combined tackles (44 solo), six pass deflections, and three interceptions in 16 games and 16 starts.

Adams became an unrestricted free agent after the 2011 season and did not receive a contract offer from the Browns although he expressed a desire to return. He reportedly received interest from four teams, including the Denver Broncos.{{Cite web |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |title=Former Cleveland Browns free agent safety Mike Adams visiting Denver |url=https://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/03/former_cleveland_browns_free_a.html |access-date=May 13, 2018 |website=The Plain Dealer|date=March 14, 2012 }}

On March 15, 2012, the Denver Broncos signed Adams to a two-year, $4 million contract with $250,000 guaranteed. During training camp, he competed to be a starting safety against Rahim Moore, Duke Ihenacho, and Quinton Carter.{{Cite web |last=Bloom |first=Sigmund |date=May 2, 2012 |title=Duke Ihenacho: Undrafted Safety Could Be a Hit for the Denver Broncos |url=https://www.bleacherreport.com/1169306-undrafted-safety-duke-ihenacho-could-be-a-hit-for-the-denver-broncos.html |access-date=May 13, 2018 |website=bleacherreport.com}} Head coach John Fox named Adams the starting strong safety to start the regular season, alongside free safety Rahim Moore.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Denver Broncos Depth Chart: 10/01/2012 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/136/DEN |website=Ourlads.com |accessdate=May 13, 2018}}

File:Mike Adams (safety).JPG in 2012.]]

In Week 3, Adams collected six combined tackles and a season-high three pass deflections during a 31–25 loss to the Houston Texans. On October 7, 2012, he collected a season-high 12 combined tackles (six solo) during a 31–21 loss at the New England Patriots in Week 5. On November 11, 2012, Adams recorded four combined tackles and sacked quarterback Cam Newton for a safety in the Broncos' 36–14 victory at the Carolina Panthers in Week 10. His safety came on a two-yard sack in the fourth quarter and marked the first safety of his career.{{Cite web |title=NFL Game Center: Week 10-2012: Denver Broncos @ Carolina Panthers |url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2012111100/2012/REG10/broncos@panthers |publisher=National Football League |accessdate=May 13, 2018}} Adams completed the {{NFL Year|2012}} season with 80 combined tackles (60 solo), 11 pass deflections, a sack, and a safety in 16 games and 16 starts.

The Denver Broncos finished first in the AFC West with a 13–3 record and earned a first round bye. On January 12, 2013, Adams started in his first career playoff game and made two solo tackles and a pass deflection in the Broncos' 38–35 overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Game.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Mike Adams (2013) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/mikeadams/2505708/gamelogs?season=2012 |publisher=National Football League |accessdate=May 13, 2018}}

Throughout training camp, Adams competed to retain his starting strong safety role against David Bruton, Duke Ihenacho, and Quentin Jammer.{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Lindsay |date=June 12, 2013 |title=Broncos reverse course, try new combinations at safety |url=https://uw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/broncos/2013/06/12/safety-rahim-moore-mike-adams-quentin-jammer-david-bruton/2417101/ |access-date=May 13, 2018 |website=USA Today}} Head coach John Fox named Adams the backup strong safety to start the season, behind Duke Ihenacho.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Denver Broncos Depth Chart: 09/05/2013 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/150/DEN |website=Ourlads.com |accessdate=May 13, 2018}}

In Week 10, Adams earned his first start of the season after Duke Ihenacho was inactive after injuring his ankle the previous week.{{Cite web |last=Thorman |first=Joel |date=November 14, 2013 |title=Dexter McCluster on Injury report |url=https://www.arrowheadpride.com/platform/2013/11/14/5103234/dexter-mccluster-injury-report-kansas-city-chiefs-denver-broncos |access-date=May 13, 2018 |website=ArrowheadPride.com}} Adams finished the Broncos' 28–20 victory at the San Diego Chargers with four combined tackles. On December 24, 2013, Adams started at free safety and made eight combined tackles during a 34–31 loss at the New England Patriots in Week 12. He started in place of Rahim Moore who underwent surgery to repair a lateral compartment syndrome and missed the remainder of the regular season.{{Cite web |last=Klis |first=Mike |date=November 19, 2013 |title=Broncos put Rahim Moore on injured reserve with designation to return |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2013/11/19/broncos-put-rahim-moore-on-injured-reserve-with-designation-to-return/ |access-date=May 13, 2018 |website=The Denver Post}} He finished the {{NFL Year|2013}} season with 64 combined tackles (48 solo), six pass deflections, and an interception in 16 games and seven starts.

The Denver Broncos finished first in the AFC West with a 13–3 record, clinching a first round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Broncos reached Super Bowl XLVIII after they defeated the San Diego Chargers 24–17 in the AFC Divisional Round and defeating the New England Patriots 26–16 in the AFC Championship Game.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Mike Adams (2013) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/mikeadams/2505708/gamelogs?season=2013 |publisher=National Football League |accessdate=May 13, 2018}} Before the start of Super Bowl XLVIII, Adams vowed to walk about {{convert|12|miles|km}} from MetLife Stadium back to his childhood home if the Broncos were victorious.{{Cite news |last=Kiszla |first=Mark |date=January 26, 2014 |title=Broncos' Mike Adams has dream of walking home after Super Bowl |work=The Denver Post |url=http://www.denverpost.com/kiszla/ci_24994301/kiszla-broncos-adams-has-dream-walking-home-after}} On February 2, 2014, Adams recorded six solo tackles as the Broncos lost to the Seattle Seahawks 43–8.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XLVIII – Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos – February 2nd, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201402020den.htm |access-date=November 3, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Adams became an unrestricted free agent after the 2013 season and received interest from several teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and New England Patriots.{{Cite web |last=Fucillo |first=David |date=June 10, 2014 |title=Free agent safety Mike Adams may be on the 49ers radar |url=https://www.ninersnation.com/platform/2014/6/10/5798776/49ers-rumors-free-agent-safety-mike-adams |access-date=May 13, 2018 |website=ninersnation.com}}

On June 14, 2014, the Indianapolis Colts signed Adams to a one-year, $1.01 million contract that includes $65,000 guaranteed.{{Cite web |title=Overthecap.com: Mike Adams contract |url=https://overthecap.com/player/mike-adams/33 |website=overthecap.com |accessdate=May 13, 2018}} The Colts signed Adams after safety Corey Lynch was placed on season-ending injured reserve.{{Cite web |last=Hazus, Dan |date=June 14, 2014 |title=Veteran Mike Adams signs deal with Indianapolis Colts |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/veteran-mike-adams-signs-deal-with-indianapolis-colts-0ap2000000358736 |publisher=National Football League |access-date=May 13, 2018}}

Throughout training camp, he competed for a job as the starting strong safety against Delano Howell, David Sims, Colt Anderson, and Sergio Brown.{{Cite web |last=Wells, Mike |date=June 16, 2014 |title=Mike Adams adds to safety competition |url=http://www.espn.com/blog/indianapolis-colts/post/_/id/5968/mike-adams-adds-to-the-safety-competition |publisher=ESPN |accessdate=May 14, 2018}} Head coach Chuck Pagano named him the starting strong safety to begin the regular season, alongside free safety Sergio Brown.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Indianapolis Colts Depth Chart: 10/01/2014 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/164/IND |website=Ourlads.com |accessdate=May 14, 2018}} On September 28, 2014, Adams made a season-high three pass deflections and made two interceptions by Charlie Whitehurst and Zach Mettenberger during a 41–17 victory against the Tennessee Titans in Week 4.{{Cite web |title=NFL Game Center: Week 4-2014: Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts |url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014092803/2014/REG4/titans@colts |publisher=National Football League |accessdate=May 14, 2018}} In Week 8, he recorded a season-high 11 combined tackles (eight solo) during a 51–34 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers. On November 16, 2014, Adams tied his season-high of 11 combined tackles (eight solo), deflected two passes, and intercepted quarterback Tom Brady twice during the Colts' 42–20 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 11.{{Cite web |title=NFL Game Center: Week 11-2014: New England Patriots @ Indianapolis Colts |url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014111611/2014/REG11/patriots@colts |publisher=National Football League |accessdate=May 14, 2018}} On December 23, 2014, Adams was named as an alternate player for the 2014 Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |last=Keefer |first=Zak |date=December 24, 2014 |title=Colts earn 5 Pro Bowl nods |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2014/12/23/5-colts-named-to-pro-bowl/20837125/ |access-date=December 25, 2014 |publisher=indystar.com}} Adams completed the {{NFL Year|2014}} season with a career-high 87 combined tackles (67 solo), 11 pass deflections, and five interceptions in 16 games and 16 starts.

The Indianapolis Colts finished first in the AFC South with an 11–5 record. On January 7, 2015, Adams started in the AFC Wildcard Game and collected nine combined tackles (seven solo) and a pass deflection during the Colts' 26–10 win against the Cincinnati Bengals. The following week, he made two combined tackles as the Colts defeated his former team, Denver Broncos, 24–13 in the AFC Divisional Round. On January 18, 2015, Adams recorded nine combined tackles during a 45–7 loss at the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Mike Adams (2014) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/mikeadams/2505708/gamelogs?season=2014 |publisher=National Football League |accessdate=May 14, 2018}} On January 20, 2015, it was announced that Adams would be playing in the 2015 Pro Bowl as a replacement for Kam Chancellor, who was unable to attend due to his participation in Super Bowl XLIX.{{Cite web |date=January 20, 2015 |title=Mike Adams, D'Qwell Jackson Added to the Pro Bowl |url=https://www.colts.com/news/mike-adams-d-qwell-jackson-added-to-the-pro-bowl-14814858 |website=Colts.com |accessdate=May 14, 2018}}

On March 10, 2015, the Indianapolis Colts re-signed Adams to a two-year, $4.85 million contract with $1.20 million guaranteed.{{Cite web |last=Wells |first=Mike |date=March 10, 2015 |title=Mike Adams staying with Colts |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12456679/mike-adams-re-signs-indianapolis-colts-2-year-deal |access-date=January 9, 2016 |publisher=ESPN}} Head coach Chuck Pagano named Adams the starting strong safety to start the regular season, opposite free safety Dwight Lowery.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Indianapolis Colts Depth Chart: 10/01/2015 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/176/IND |website=Ourlads.com |accessdate=May 14, 2018}}

On October 8, 2015, Adams recorded four combined tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted two passes by Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett during a 27–20 win at the Houston Texans in Week 5.{{Cite web |title=NFL Game Center: Week 5-2015: Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans |url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015100800/2015/REG5/colts@texans |publisher=National Football League |accessdate=May 14, 2018}} The following week, Adams recorded three combined tackles, broke up a pass, and returned an interception for touchdown in the Colts' 34–27 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 6. He intercepted a pass to Julian Edelman that was thrown by Tom Brady and returned it for a 14-yard touchdown in the second quarter.{{Cite web |title=NFL Game Center: Week 6-2015: New England Patriots @ Indianapolis Colts |url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015101811/2015/REG6/patriots@colts |publisher=National Football League |accessdate=May 14, 2018}} The touchdown was his second score of his career and first one since 2005. He was inactive for the Colts' Week 7 loss to the New Orleans Saints after injuring his hamstring the previous week.{{Cite web |title=Fox Sports: Mike Adams #29 Biography |url=https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/mike-adams-player-injuries |work=Fox Sports |accessdate=May 14, 2018}} In Week 9, Adams made one tackle, a pass deflection, and an interception, but exited the Colts' 27–25 win against the Denver Broncos in the third quarter after injuring his ankle. His ankle injury sidelined him for the next to games (Weeks 11–12).{{Cite web |last=Zucker |first=Joseph |date=November 8, 2015 |title=Mike Adams Injury: Updates on Colts Safety's Ankle and Return |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2587389 |access-date=May 14, 2018 |website=BleacherReport.com}} On December 6, 2015, Adams collected a season-high 12 combined tackles (11 solo) in the Colts' 35–10 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13. The following week, he recorded four solo tackles and sacked quarterback Blake Bortles during a 51–16 loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 14. He finished the {{NFL Year|2015}} season with 75 combined tackles (52 solo), six pass deflections, a career-high five interceptions, and a sack in 13 games and 13 starts. On January 25, 2016, it was announced that Adams was selected as a replacement for the injured Kam Chancellor in the 2016 Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=January 25, 2016 |title=Vontae Davis, Mike Adams headed to Pro Bowl |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/01/25/vontae-davis-mike-adams-headed-to-pro-bowl/ |access-date=January 25, 2016 |website=profootballtalk.nbcsports.com}}

On January 6, 2016, the Indianapolis Colts fired defensive coordinator Greg Manusky and safeties coach Roy Anderson after they finished 8–8 behind a struggling defense.{{Cite web |last=Wells |first=Mike |date=January 6, 2016 |title=Colts fire six assistants, including D-coordinator Greg Manusky |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14517769/defensive-coordinator-greg-manusky-six-fired-indianapolis-colts |access-date=May 14, 2018 |publisher=ESPN}} Defensive coordinator Ted Monachino retained Adams as the starting strong safety. Head coach Chuck Pagano named him the starter to begin the season, along with free safety Clayton Geathers.{{Cite web |last=Bowen |first=Kevin |date=September 6, 2016 |title=Colts release 2016 regular season depth chart |url=https://www.colts.com/news/colts-release-2016-regular-season-depth-chart-17631782 |access-date=May 14, 2018 |website=Colts.com}}

On October 16, 2016, Adams collected a season-high nine combined tackles in the Colts' 26–23 loss at the Houston Texans in Week 6.

Adams was sidelined for the Colts' Week 9 win at the Green Bay Packers after injuring his groin the previous week. In Week 13, he made three combined tackles, broke up a pass, and returned an interception for a 56-yard gain during a 41–10 victory at the New York Jets.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Mike Adams (2016) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/mikeadams/2505708/gamelogs?season=2016 |publisher=National Football League |accessdate=May 14, 2018}} He finished the season with 79 combined tackles (62 solo), two pass deflections, and two interceptions in 15 games and 15 starts. Adams earned an overall grade of 83.3 from Pro Football Focus, which ranked 19th among all qualifying safeties in 2016.{{Cite web |last=William |first=Moy |date=February 21, 2017 |title=Ranking the top 10 safeties set to hit free agency |url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-top-10-safeties-set-to-hit-free-agency |access-date=May 14, 2018 |website=profootballfocus.com}}

On March 6, 2017, Adams announced that the Indianapolis Colts informed him of their intentions to not offer him a contract or re-sign him. At age 36, Adams had three successful seasons with the Colts that earned him appearances in two Pro Bowls. The Colts decided to go with their younger core of safeties in Clayton Geathers, T. J. Green, and Darius Butler.{{Cite web |date=March 6, 2017 |title=Colts moving on from free agent Mike Adams |url=https://www.colts.com/news/colts-moving-on-from-free-agent-mike-adams-18622752 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217142227/https://www.colts.com/news/colts-moving-on-from-free-agent-mike-adams-18622752 |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |access-date=May 14, 2018 |website=Colts.com}}

On March 10, 2017, the Carolina Panthers signed Adams to a two-year, $4.20 million contract with $1.15 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $650,000.{{Cite web |last=Strickland |first=Bryan |date=March 10, 2017 |title=Panthers sign Mike Adams |url=http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Panthers-sign-Mike-Adams/581384a7-7018-4ffc-9949-08b952a18985 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520203920/http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Panthers-sign-Mike-Adams/581384a7-7018-4ffc-9949-08b952a18985 |archive-date=May 20, 2017 |website=Panthers.com}} Adams entered training camp slated as the starting free safety after the Panthers waived Tre Boston. Head coach Ron Rivera officially named him the starter entering the regular season, opposite strong safety Kurt Coleman.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Carolina Panthers Depth Chart: 10/01/2017 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/200/CAR |website=ourlads.com |accessdate=May 14, 2018}} On October 1, 2017, Adams collected a season-high seven solo tackles and two pass deflections in the Panthers' 33–30 victory at the New England Patriots in Week 4. In Week 6, he had a season-high eight combined tackles during a 28–23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He finished his first season with the Carolina Panthers with 69 combined tackles (48 solo), ten pass deflections, and two interceptions in 16 games and 16 starts. Pro Football Focus gave Adams an overall grade of 82.4, which ranked 24th among all qualifying safeties in 2017.{{Cite web |title=Pro Football Focus: Mike Adams |url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/nfl/players/mike-adams/1972 |website=profootballfocus.com |accessdate=May 14, 2018}}

The Carolina Panthers finished second in the NFC South with an 11–5 record and received a wildcard berth. On January 7, 2018, Adams started in the NFC Wildcard Game and recorded four combined tackles, a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass by quarterback Drew Brees during the Panthers' 31–26 loss at the New Orleans Saints.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Mike Adams (2017) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/mikeadams/2505708/gamelogs?season=2017 |publisher=National Football League |accessdate=May 14, 2018}}

In Week 5 of the 2018 season, Adams recorded his fifth career game with two interceptions in the 33–31 victory over the New York Giants.{{Cite news |title=Panthers' Mike Adams: Two interceptions Sunday |language=en |work=CBSSports.com |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/panthers-mike-adams-two-interceptions-sunday/ |access-date=November 2, 2018}}

On September 30, 2019, Adams was signed by the Houston Texans.{{Cite web |title=Texans sign Mike Adams |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/09/30/texans-sign-mike-adams/ |access-date=September 30, 2019 |website=profootballtalk.nbcsports.com |date=September 30, 2019 |language=en}}

Adams announced his retirement from the NFL on Good Morning Football on March 4, 2020.{{Cite web |last=Shook, Nick |date=March 4, 2020 |title=Veteran safety Mike Adams retires after 16 seasons |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/veteran-safety-mike-adams-retires-after-16-seasons-0ap3000001105106 |publisher=National Football League}}

On February 2, 2021, Adams landed his first NFL coaching job with the Chicago Bears.

On July 24, 2023, he was named assistant special teams coach for the New York Giants.{{cite web | last=Boord | first=Rivka | title=Giants hire Mike Adams as assistant special teams coach | website=Big Blue View | date=2023-07-24 | url=https://www.bigblueview.com/2023/7/24/23806189/giants-hire-mike-adams-as-assistant-special-teams-coach | access-date=2024-12-24}}

On February 15, 2024, Adams was named as assistant secondary for the Giants.{{cite web | last=Eisen | first=Michael | title=Giants hire Frank Piraino as director of strength and conditioning among staff updates | website=Giants.com| date=2024-02-15 | url=https://www.giants.com/news/frank-piraino-director-of-strength-and-conditioning-tennessee-titans-staff-mike-adams | access-date=2024-12-24}}

Adams was inducted into the Passaic Tech Hall of Fame in 2009 and had his jersey retired in 2010. Adams has two daughters, Maya and Avery.

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Category:1981 births

Category:Living people

Category:Passaic County Technical Institute alumni

Category:Players of American football from Paterson, New Jersey

Category:American football safeties

Category:Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football players

Category:San Francisco 49ers players

Category:Cleveland Browns players

Category:Denver Broncos players

Category:Indianapolis Colts players

Category:Carolina Panthers players

Category:Houston Texans players

Category:21st-century American sportsmen

Category:Unconferenced Pro Bowl players

Category:Chicago Bears coaches

Category:New York Giants coaches

Category:Coaches of American football from New Jersey