New England Patriots’ Ernie Adams announces retirement: ‘Time for me to stop working and join the many wonderful fans’ (report)
Updated May 03, 2021;
Posted May 03, 2021
Ernie Adams, football research director for the New England Patriots, watches during NFL football practice in Foxborough, Mass., Thursday, May 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)AP
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Ernie Adams has made his retirement official.
After Bill Belichick announced the 2021 NFL Draft was Adams’ last with the Patriots, the Football Research Director confirmed that he was hanging up the whistle in a statement to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
“The last 21 seasons with the New England Patriots have been extraordinary for me,” Adams told Reiss. “I am fortunate to have been part of a team along with Bill Belichick, outstanding colleagues, patient owners, and a lot of great players. It is time for me to stop working and join the many wonderful fans who have been with us for this run.”
Patriots add Oklahoma RB Rhamondre Stevenson in draft
Oklahoma running back Rhamondre Stevenson smiles in a suite at the Aria Resort in Las Vegas, Saturday, May 1, 2021, after he was selected in the fourth round of the NFL football draft by the New England Patriots. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP) STEVE MARCUS
Oklahoma running back Rhamondre Stevenson, center, is reacts with family and friends in a suite at the Aria Resort in Las Vegas, Saturday, May 1, 2021, after he was selected in the fourth round of the NFL football draft by the New England Patriots. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP) STEVE MARCUS
Bill Belichick: This was Ernie Adams’ final NFL Draft with Patriots
Updated May 01, 2021;
Posted May 01, 2021
Ernie Adams, football research director for the New England Patriots, watches during NFL football practice in Foxborough, Mass., Thursday, May 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)AP
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Bill Belichick dropped a minor bombshell in his press conference after the NFL Draft concluded.
“With Ernie Adams, this was his last draft,” Belichick said. “Certainly he’s been a huge part of the draft process for the New England Patriots.”
One of the most mysterious figures in the organization and a fan favorite Adams has served as Belichick’s “Football Research Director” since the coach returned in 2000. When asked if Adams was retiring from all of his responsibilities, Belichick was non-committal.
Patriots add Oklahoma RB Rhamondre Stevenson in draft
Oklahoma running back Rhamondre Stevenson smiles in a suite at the Aria Resort in Las Vegas, Saturday, May 1, 2021, after he was selected in the fourth round of the NFL football draft by the New England Patriots. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP) STEVE MARCUS
Oklahoma running back Rhamondre Stevenson, center, is reacts with family and friends in a suite at the Aria Resort in Las Vegas, Saturday, May 1, 2021, after he was selected in the fourth round of the NFL football draft by the New England Patriots. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP) STEVE MARCUS
Steven Senne/Associated Press
The 2021 NFL draft was the last for New England Patriots football research director Ernie Adams, head coach Bill Belichick announced Saturday. He s literally been involved in every single aspect of the football program at every level, Belichick told reporters.
Belichick did not say when or if Adams was retiring.
New England Patriots @Patriots
From his passion for the game to his tactical expertise.
Behind the scenes with Patriots Director of Football Research, Ernie Adams, presented by @Bose. https://t.co/ONcWagwtQK
Adams initially joined the NFL with the Patriots in 1975 following his graduation from Northwestern University.