Chicago Bears: 5 Winners from the 2021 preseason

2. Rodney Adams, Wide Receiver

Rodney Adams’ path to the NFL was filled with many potholes. When he was a freshman at Toledo, his mother died. He then became the guardian of his 16-year-old brother. As a result, he had to transfer to the University of South Florida.

He did well there and the Minnesota Vikings drafted him in the fifth round in 2017. He wasn’t able to see any time there, however. The Vikings dropped him to the practice squad after being activated for just one game (the only one in his career so far).

In 2018, he was on the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad when he suddenly retired.

"I was battling demons. I was going through a lot, trying to be strong for my family. But I cracked, I broke. I was battling a whole bunch of stuff. I just had to walk away from the game. You couldn’t see it because I was always smiling, but everyone is battling something."

Adams tried acting but the NFL stayed on his mind. He tried a comeback. The Colts took him back but then waived him. That’s when the Bears came calling. Adams went through the entire training camp but was one of the final cuts last season. He spent the year on the practice squad.

Something happened this year, though. He looked different and all of a sudden he experienced some success. He did well in training camp but how would he do in the preseason games?

Well, he’d do just fine, thank you very much. He’s led the team in receiving in two of the three games. He made some incredible catches during the preseason games. In the opener against the Miami Dolphins, he made a leaping catch over the defender for 25 yards. In the second game against the Buffalo Bills, he made another leaping catch and went 73 yards for a touchdown.

We’ve seen these “training camp heroes” who have moments in preseason games and become fan favorites. They don’t usually make the team in the end, however. That won’t be the case in Adams’ case. He’ll finally make the team and have a chance to contribute.

Let’s hope his success continues into the regular season.