Jamal Adams is a walking quote card. The man is never afraid to say what's on his mind, and these days at training camp, he seems happier than anyone that football is back.
On Thursday, he walked up to the podium after practice wearing a large hat one would likely bring on an African safari tour. But in Adams' case, he uses it for a different reason.
"The main reason behind the hat is it's for my haters. I'm blocking all my haters," he said.
Adams isn't playing against any haters just yet, but he's already brought the trash talking to the field. He's even throwing some words at head coach Adam Gase, which is why the Jets' new shotcaller has said he is the most competitive player he's even seen.
That energy and passion -- trash-talking or not -- has the Jets' defense going on all cylinders here early in Florham Park.
"We're doing well, man. We're flying around the ball, making plays," Adams said. "We just got to be consistent as far as getting more turnovers. I think that's what's going to separate us."
And while the defense is looking to separate itself, hopefully becoming one of the best units in football, Adams knows the offense is going to be stellar as well. One of the main reasons is the addition of Le'Veon Bell, a player that he continued to recruit throughout the offseason until he finally made the decision to sign with Gang Green.
Bell has already showcased his ability to make the big play and remain patient behind his offensive line before breaking through creases. It's nothing new for those who have seen him in action, but for the offense, it brings a new "swagger" as Adams put it.
And, of course, he knows he's a big reason why Bell is in the green and white this time of year.
"I told you, I'm like LeBron James when it comes to recruiting," he said with a smirk. "I definitely had a word for him and he was definitely reaching out, asking questions and all I could do was just sell this organization and tell him that it's moving in the right direction."
"I'm like LeBron James when it comes to recruiting"@TheAdamsEra says he helped recruit @leveonbell pic.twitter.com/gKupZXLvNO
- Jets Videos (@snyjets) August 1, 2019
Between Adams, Bell, and the rest of the Jets' roster, celebrating and having a good time while grinding on the field has been a common theme early on. And Adams is more than OK with that as long as the team stays focused heading into the new season. It hasn't been a problem at all, as the competitiveness has been high through the first week of camp.
"We're confident, we're flying around the ball and when you make plays on both sides of the ball, there's nothing wrong with celebrating," Adams said. "It's nothing like having a party on the football field.
"We have so much swagger, man, swagger's just dripping all on the field."