honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, January 22, 2010

NFL: Teammates gather for Gaines Adams' funeral in SC


PETE IACOBELLI
AP Sports Writer

EASLEY, S.C. — College and pro teammates of Gaines Adams were gathering Friday for the 26-year-old defensive lineman's funeral.

Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith and Clemson coach Dabo Swinney are expected to speak at the funeral, while Adams' coach with the Tigers, Tommy Bowden, is giving the eulogy.

Adams' casket was at the front of the sanctuary at Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley and video boards showed pictures of his playing days.

Adams died Sunday from an enlarged heart in his hometown of Greenwood.

He was an All-American defensive end at Clemson and selected fourth overall in the 2007 NFL draft by Tampa Bay. But he didn't live up to expectations with the Buccaneers and was traded to the Bears in October for a second-round pick in the 2010 draft.