Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle, Mike Adams had a short-lived NFL career. The former Ohio State University standout had fallen in the 2012 NFL Draft due to a failed drug test at the NFL Combine, but that didn't deter the Steelers from selecting him in the second round with the 56th overall pick. Adams earned the start for six games during his rookie season and saw action throughout 10 games. Following the season, however, tragedy occurred for the young lineman.
In June of 2013, news broke that Adams had been held at gunpoint and stabbed in a carjacking incident. Incredibly, he was able to return in time for the season despite having fought for his life. The incident proved to be life-altering and not only heavily impacted his athletic ability, but also became a turning point in his life. Adams went on to battle several injuries and eventually retired in 2016 after four seasons in Pittsburgh and one season with the Chicago Bears.
Monday, Adams joined the "All For Nothing" podcast hosted by Tyler Bossetti. On the podcast, the former Steelers tackle detailed the tragic event that took place in the summer of 2013 and the inspiring tale that followed the incident.
On Friday, May 31, Adams was out in Pittsburgh with his friends. After grabbing late-night grub at Jimmy Johns, he walked to his truck where it had been valet parked as usual with the keys left inside. Upon entering his truck, however, he noticed that the keys weren't inside and decided to exit the car. Three men then approached him, asking questions about the truck. Quickly, it occurred to Adams that these men weren't simply complimenting his brand-new 2012 Ford F-150.
"All of a sudden, I hear this other guy saying, 'Man let me kill him.' I'm like, 'Look man, there's three of you, just one of me. I'll fight ya'll if you want, just please don't shoot me."
After pleading with the three men, Adams went on to say that he heard one of them walk up behind him. While one man went to punch him, the other stabbed him in the stomach. The men ran off and Adams, in shock, hadn't realized that he had been stabbed until the restaurant owner ran outside and told him what happened. Adams recalled the restaurant owner cleaning him up and calling the ambulance.
The stabbing impacted Adams not only physically, but mentally as well. He went from coming off of a successful rookie season to having to overcome a near-death attack. If it wasn't for the toughness that his family instilled in him, he says that the journey would've been a lot tougher.
Throughout It All, The Steelers Organization Was By His Side
Though Adams made a miraculous recovery and was able to participate at the beginning of the 2013 season, it was unfortunately the beginning of a roller-coaster ride for the offensive tackle. In 2013, he battled coming back from his injuries and a hernia that had stemmed from the stabbing incident. Although his third NFL season was strong, disaster struck during his fourth year.
Adams felt ready to go and unstoppable approaching year four. Come OTAs, however, he suffered from a massive herniation during non-contact drills. This resulted in back surgery and yet another long recovery. Throughout it all, the Steelers organization showed their support.
"When I woke up in the hospital the next morning, Coach Tomlin, Mr. Rooney, Kevin Colbert, and David DeCastro were at the hospital with my mom and grandma."
This is one of the many things that the Steelers are commended for. There are not many organizations in which the owner, general manager and head coach would be waiting for a player in the hospital post-surgery. DeCastro and Adams remained close through it all and still talk to this day.
Though it's been a long and challenging road for Adams, he has held his head high through it all. Since retiring in 2016, Adams has turned to yoga as a coping mechanism and is now his full-time career. He's in excellent shape and a positive headspace with his newfound love in yoga. Check out the rest of Adams' incredible story here.
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