NOTHIN’ BUT LOVE
Adams says he has ‘no hate in my heart’ for Gase and Gang
Jamal Adams revealed the cold harsh truth of the NFL universe in his first public remarks since the blockbuster trade that landed him with the Seahawks last weekend: It’s not personal, it’s business.
“I’m at peace with it,” Adams said in a Zoom call with Seattle reporters on Thursday. “We have to move on. It’s part of the business. A lot of those (Jets) guys and coaches reached out. They said they’re going to miss me and they love me. It’s the same back. I’m pulling for those guys over there. I really am. I have no hate in my heart towards anybody. To Joe (Douglas), to
Adam Gase, it doesn’t matter. I really wish them well.”
Adams eviscerated Gase in a Daily News story last week, detailing why he didn’t believe the mercurial head coach was a good enough leader to take the Jets to a championship.
Adams praised a number of former teammates and defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson, revealing that plenty of them reached out to congratulate him, including rookie third-round safety Ashtyn Davis.
“Ashtyn Davis reached out to me,” Adams said. “He’s been reaching out through the whole process…. A hell of a player. I’m a big fan. I told him, I said, ‘Man, I’m here to help you.’ He wished me well. He said he wished he could play with me, but I said, ‘I’m here to help you. I know the defense in and out. Any questions you have, bro, I’m going to help you. You can hit me on anything. I don’t care what I’m doing. I will take the time out to help you.’ And I mean that. I really do.”
Adams, who was the Jets’ captain, emotional leader and best player, admitted that “there’s so many guys that I’m going to miss” on Gang Green before giving special attention to running mate Marcus Maye, who was a member of his 2017 draft class. “Marcus is finally going to get the respect that he deserves,” Adams said.
The Jets received 2021 and 2022 first-round picks, a 2021 third-round pick and veteran safety Bradley McDougald for Adams and a 2021 fourthround pick. Adams said that he “broke down in tears of joy” after getting the news that he was traded. He’ll play this season on his rookie contract.
“I’m here to play football. I’m not focused on trying to prove anybody wrong,” Adams said. “I just want to keep elevating my game each and every year.”
Adams repeatedly said that he was excited to be in his new home. The Seahawks are expected to be Super Bowl contenders, while the Jets are in rebuild mode again.
“I have nothing but love and respect for a lot of those guys over there in that organization,” Adams said. “I wish them well. I really do. I know a lot of people might think it’s not coming from the heart, but it really is. And I’m pulling for them.”