New England Patriots director of football research Ernie Adams retired this offseason. But … did he really?
Because his retirement doesn’t look all that different from his employment. He was on the field during the Patriots’ session of organized team activities on Thursday, their third voluntary workout of the offseason. And Adams was in his normal spots, wandering around the field and arriving often at the side of Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
Surely, Adams will step away for good. But at this point, it doesn’t seem like he’s quite ready to quit football completely.
Retired Patriots director of football research Ernie Adams was present at practice.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) May 27, 2021
Ernie Adams was a surprising presence at practice. As always, he had Bill Belichick’s ear.
— Chris Mason (@ByChrisMason) May 27, 2021
Adams is a somewhat mysterious figure in New England’s organization, with a wide array of duties, including the power to help Belichick during the draft and a direct line of communication with Belichick during games.
