Bills Player History: Looking back at defensive tackle Sam Adams

The Buffalo Bills have been in existence since 1960. There have been an unlimited number of players that have worn a Bills uniform in a game. There’s a rich history, splendid tapestry, good times, and bad times. We have rooted for one-game wonders, fan-favorites, All-Pros, Pro Bowlers, and Hall of Famers. But do you remember them? Well, I am here to refresh your memories.

This week we are going to ‘remember a Bill’. A recurring piece that will jog your memories and bring back the fondness of watching this player put on the pads and play for our beloved Bills. Now, the players we will remember are not necessarily all-stars or Hall of Famers but just a someone that will make you stop and say, “Hey, I remember him.”

This week's remember a Bill: DT Sam Adams

Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 1994 out of Texas A&M, Sam Adams had a long and successful career of being a disruptor on any defensive line he was on. In his career Adams had 403 tackles, 44 sacks, along with 3 interceptions and two touchdowns. Big Sam was a playmaker. After spending his first 6 seasons in Seattle he found his way to Baltimore in 2000. He was apart of the Ravens Super Bowl team that year, which also earned him a second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection that season.

After leaving Baltimore after the 2001 season, he spent 2002 with the Raiders which ended with a loss in the Super Bowl to Tampa Bay. Adams then came to Buffalo in 2003 until the end of the 2005 season. He had 42 tackles and 5 sacks gave him his third Pro-Bowl selection in 2005. After leaving the Bills, Adams rounded out his career with stops in Cincinnati and Denver before calling it a career. But his best highlight in my opinion was on opening day in 2003 when this happened:

The fact that play was against Tom Brady and the Patriots makes it even more sweet. Now a days Sam Adams spends his time as the owner and CEO of the Spokane Shock of the Indoor Football League and is active in the community. Per his Spokane Shock bio page: “As a coach and mentor to Juanita High School Girls Select Basketball program, he helped 20 young women receive scholarships. "

"In addition, he was named Under Armor All-American Coach, FBU All-American Coach, Rainier Ravens football team coach, Man of the Year for Seattle Seahawks 1998. Adams also built the computer lab for Seattle’s CAYA youth football organization and is a sponsor/spokesman for Special Olympics in Washington and Alaska.”

It is safe to say Sam Adams was a great football player but an even better human being. I’m glad out of his 14-year career, three of them were spent in Buffalo. Although the team was in the early stages of a playoff drought, he was one of the bright spots and better players on those teams. Sam Adams, we remember you fondly.