Davante Adams is not shying away from the tumultuous period between his time with the Green Bay Packers and joining the Los Angeles Rams.
The difference has been evident.
Adams led the NFL in touchdown receptions during the regular season. That is despite missing the final three games. He is playing in his first playoff games since 2021 this season, his first with the Rams.
Davante Adams Gets Honest About Playoffs
GettyDavante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates defeating the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Playoffs.
Long before he signed with the Rams during the 2025 offseason, Adams began his career with the Packers. He enjoyed tremendous individual and team success, with five straight Pro Bowl campaigns.
He also went to four NFC Championship Games, though Adams and the Packers fell short.
In his first trip since 2020, the season before the Rams acquired Matthew Stafford in a trade from the Detroit Lions, Adams is not mincing words: this is not just another week.
“I’ve been here quite a few times. And I think I made mention to you guys a few times, forgive me if I’m not smiling ear to ear after the first win or the second win. Just having been here so many times, and understanding exactly what it takes to get where we’re ultimately trying to go. So, it’s obviously exciting to achieve the minor goals along the way that you ultimately need to do to get where you want to be,” Adams told reporters on January 21.
“It [the Super Bowl] just feels like, almost like a mythical thing to me at this point. You do everything you can to get there, and it’s been so hard, and been working so hard at it. So, we’re close. We just got to finish it off.”
The Packers traded Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022. His teams went 14-20 during his two full seasons there.
Adams forced a trade to the New York Jets, going 5-12 in his lone full season in 2024.
“I started off with a great experience with the Packers, and didn’t have anything else to you know compare it to. So, you kind of, in a sense, take it for granted. I don’t think I was taking it for granted. But you go to a situation where you struggle a little bit more in Vegas, and I was blessed to still have a lot of you know great football there and a lot of good times,” Adams said.
“In terms of winning and playing meaningful games, obviously, we weren’t in that position. So being back in a position where you’re with a great team, and in a great situation, you definitely have a greater appreciation for times like this, for sure.”
Davante Adams Echoes Coaches’ Message for Teammates
GettyDavante Adams #17 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after catching a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles.
In addition to reaching the Super Bowl, Adams and the Rams can get some revenge. The Rams lost to the Seahawks in Seattle in Week 16 during the regular season. It cost them greatly in the NFC West race, but Adams believes he can make a difference.
“It crushed me,” Adams said of missing the contest. “If I’m in the game, and I can’t affect it, or if I’m not able to play in the game at all, it’s just a–that helplessness–that type of feeling, is not a good feeling as a receiver, especially one that has been relied on a lot in the past to be able to put things together and, ultimately, get you where you want to be as a team.
“Just watching it was tough. Especially in the red zone, seeing us kind of struggle the first couple drives there getting points, and knowing what I’ve been able to do. Just feeling like I could have changed that. So, it’s a great team. And, obviously, we did a great job on offense and put up some unbelievable numbers, and all of that. But just my presence out there, I always feel like I can help, whether it’s making a play, or just affecting coverage, or whatever it is. So, it’s exciting to be able to get another crack at it.”
Adams noted his belief that the Rams are built for games like this. He cited the adversity they have already faced. He said they just have to do their job, as the coaching staff tells them.
Adams believes the Rams have become “calloused,” with “gritty wins,” which will benefit them.
Rams’ Davante Adams Sends Strong Message About Packers Tenure