Gaines Adams dead at 26

Former Clemson University football star Gaines Adams passed away this morning after he was taken to the Emergency Room at Self Regional in Greenwood, S.C.

According to a report first published Sunday morning in The Greenville News, former Clemson defensive end and current Chicago Bear defender Gaines Adams has passed away.

The report said an autopsy will be performed today by a forensic pathologist in Anderson County.

Adams was named 2006 ACC Defensive Player of the Year following the conclusion of his senior season. (Roy Philpott)

No further details have been released but CUTigers learned he is believed to have passed away in his sleep from a heart attack.

Reports published later Sunday confirmed he died of cardiac arrest caused by an enlarged heart.

Adams was selected as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before he was traded to the Chicago Bears last October.

As the No. 4 overall pick that year, he tied former Clemson great Banks McFadden as the highest selection for a Clemson player.

A former wide receiver in the prep school ranks, Adams moved to defense at Clemson and developed into one of the top pass-rushers in the country during his senior year, tying Clemson great Michael Dean Perry for the school's lead in career sacks with 28.

He will also be remembered for one of the most incredible plays in Clemson football history- returning a botched field goal attempt at Wake Forest in 2006 for 66 yards and a touchdown to help erase a 17-3 fourth-quarter deficit.

Adams was named 2006 ACC Defensive Player of the Year following the conclusion of his senior season.

Off the field, the soft-spoken Adams was well-liked by nearly everyone who crossed his path.

In 47 games over four seasons in the NFL, Adams had 67 total tackles, including 13.5 sacks.

CUTigers will have more on this tragic story as information can be confirmed.


Gaines Adams: 1983-2010