BEARS’ DEFENSIVE END GAINES ADAMS DEAD AT 26

Amid the excitement of the NFL playoffs the pro football world was shocked and saddened by the death of Chicago Bears’ defensive end Gaines Adams.  Adams had just completed his third NFL season and was rushed to the hospital after going into cardiac arrest early Sunday morning at his parents’ home in Greenwood, SC.  He was pronounced dead on arrival by Greenwood County medical examiner James T. Coursey.   Adams was 26 years old.

An autopsy showed that Adams had an enlarged heart, which can often lead to cardiac arrest in otherwise healthy individuals if left untreated.  According to Adams’ family no one was aware of any abnormality.  A toxicology test will be run by State Law Enforcement officers, but that is standard procedure in cases of this nature and it’s doubtful that drug use played any part in Adams’ untimely demise.

Adams played his college football just minutes from his family home at Clemson University.  He became a fearsome pass rusher who is most remembered in the Palmetto State for a game winning touchdown in 2006 against Wake Forest.  The Deacons were lining up for a late field goal which Adams blocked and returned the length of the field for a game winning touchdown.  Tommy Bowden was Adams’ coach in college and couldn’t believe the sad news:

"I just couldn't believe it was Gaines. I will always remember the smile he had on his face and I will always remember his patience."

The Buccaneers made Evans the third player selected overall in the 2007 NFL draft, but he was slow to develop in Tampa Bay.  Current Bucs’ head coach Raheem Morris was defensive coordinator at the time of Evans’ selection and spent a lot of time working with him.  He had these thoughts in response to the news:

"Evans was a true team player and a positive influence to everyone he met. My prayers go out to his family."

John Gruden was the Tampa Bay head coach at the time of Evans’ selection:

"Today is a tragic day. Gaines was an impressive kid with such a tremendous future in front of him. He was a great teammate and well-liked by our coaches and all those who had the opportunity to be around him in Tampa."

Tampa Bay defensive tackle Chris Hovan added:

"I still don't want to believe that it is true. I am deeply saddened that we have lost someone who I considered a friend for life. When he came to Tampa, I took Gaines under my wing; I considered him my little brother and that's how I will always remember him. This is all so unreal and it hasn't really hit me yet."

Evans’ funeral plans are still pending, but he’s expected to be laid to rest near his home in Greenwood, South Carolina.