The Heart of a
Champion
Mike “Pop” Adams
Sportsmanship is a representation of how well an athlete
conducts himself before, during and after a game. He
demonstrates this physically, through his performance
and tenacity; he exudes an embodiment of strength,
agility and endurance. His attitude is a reflection of his
resilience to a competitive stoicism. After the war paint
and sweat diminishes, the true showmanship of a
professional athlete begins with a positive attitude and
follows him thereafter in every facet of his life.
Mike “Pop” Adams,
strong safety and defensive back of the Denver
Broncos, has exceeded
the expectations of a great
athlete. The New Jersey native was raised in Paterson;
a place where he dedicates
a lot of his personal time to
giving back to the community. Adams grew up on
Godwin Avenue where he
attended Passaic County
Tech High School, and he
went on to attend college
at the University of
Delaware before being
drafted to play pro football.
He is also one of three
football players from the
University of Delaware,
currently in the NFL.
When Pop is not practicing
football with the Denver
Broncos, he’s devoting
his time to working with
children through motivational speaking and special
charitable projects. His
philanthropic efforts are
fully embraced by the state
of New Jersey and appreciated by the residents of
Paterson. Pop expresses a
great sense of dignity
because he knows that he
is making a difference in his
community. The hometown
hero has made good use of
his family communications
degree by teaching children
to follow their dreams and
aspirations.
Mike adds, “I do speaking
engagements. I go around
and talk to the youth. I just
pop in; I don’t ask to get
paid for any of that. I think
I owe it to myself and I owe
it to the city of Paterson to
go and talk to the kids and
let them know that whatever you want to do; it can
be done.”
He also is the benefactor
to the Silk City Cardinals,
a little league football and
cheerleading squad in Paterson. Every September,
Mike sponsors 100 boys
and girls by providing free
back-to-school haircuts,
backpacks and school
supplies.
“After the war paint and sweat
diminishes, the true showmanship
of a professional athlete begins
with a positive attitude and follows
him thereafter in every facet of his
life.”