Mr. Adams

6/8/83 - 1/17/10

Chicago Bears DE Gaines Adams was reported dead Sunday morning after being rushed to the ER. He was 26. An autopsy to determine cause of death will be done later this week. He was the fourth player chosen in the 2007 NFL draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and became a Bear on October 19, 2009. To acquire Adams, the Bears gave up their 2nd round pick in the 2010 draft.

Personally, this is upsetting on two levels. One because Adams showed promise for the future, and secondly because the Bears have now used a future draft pick on a deceased individual. Unless we draft somebody this year, it appears that Mark Anderson and Alex Brown are going to have to step up their efforts at the end positions. One thing is certain at this point, and that is that Tampa Bay is sure glad they called no trade-backs.

All tasteless jokes aside, this is a huge loss for his family and friends around the league. Thoughts and prayers with them in this their time of mourning.

EDIT: Tribune story here. Apparently, Gaines passed away from an enlarged heart causing cardiac arrest.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had this to say: "He seemed like a very genuine, nice man. He seemed focused on being a good person, not just a good NFL player. I was always taken with him."