For some players, a jersey number is… well, just a number. Joining a new team means there is a very real possibility that a player will have to select a new jersey number. However, for some, those numbers have a special meaning.
That is the case for Tennessee Titans safety Jamal Adams, who acquired the No. 33 from cornerback Eric Garror. The latter will switch to No. 25 to complete the number swap.
Adams, who participated in Wednesday’s first day of training camp, detailed just exactly how he got the number and what it means to him.
“I’m not going to say it was a tough process, but it was a process,” Adams said, via Jim Wyatt of Titans Online. “I’m just grateful that (Garror) allowed me to get the jersey number back. Obviously, it means so much to me. It’s not just a number; it’s a family number for me. I’ve never been a different number since I started playing at age three; I’ve always been 33. It’s tatted on me. So, I’m just happy that my mom’s happy, my family’s happy, and that’s all that matters to me.”
Did the process involve cash?
“It did. It did, but it’s okay. It was worth it,” laughed Adams.
First look at #Titans Jamal Adams. pic.twitter.com/OgVFm1v6I3
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) July 24, 2024
Adams is entering his first year with the Titans after signing a one-year “prove it” deal earlier this month. The 28-year-old will very much be looking to show that he is still the same player who earned All-Pro honors in three consecutive seasons.
He was limited to just ten games by quad and knee injuries in the last two years with the Seattle Seahawks. During that time, Adams collected 51 tackles, including seven tackles for loss and two pass deflections.
The veteran safety wasted little time in making his impact felt on Wednesday. Adams recovered a fumble against the second-team offense. He also collected a “sack” on quarterback Will Levis after getting through the offensive line on a blitz.
