Return to West brings back memories for Adams
By TIM STABLEIN
Staff Writer
There was one question in particular Flozell Adams was asked more than once on Friday morning at the first Ray McElroy Pro Football Youth Camp at Proviso West.
"A lot asked about T.O.," said Adams, referring to his controversial Dallas Cowboys teammate Terrell Owens. "There was very few questions on what it takes to get there (professional football) and stay there."
Adams, along with Mike Brown, Muhsin Muhammad and Jerry Azumah from the Chicago Bears, were among seven professional players on hand at the camp, which attracted 65 individuals between ages 12-18.
Returning to the school brought back some memories for Adams, who graduated from Proviso West in 1994.
The 6-foot-7, 340 pound Adams moved on to play collegiate football at Michigan State and was selected in the second round, 38th pick overall, by Dallas in the 1998 NFL draft.
As a senior, Adams was an All-American at Michigan State and the Big Ten offensive lineman of the year.
"It feels a little strange, but good to be back on this field," said Adams, who played in his third Pro Bowl in the last four seasons in February at Aloha Stadium in Hawaii. "Ray asked if I could help and I said I would in any way that I can. This isn't all about football. It's also talking to them about life situations. I want them to feel comfortable to come up and ask any questions they want."
Adams played in all 16 regular-season games for the Cowboys last year after battling back from a torn ACL injury in 2005, suffered on Oct. 16 against the New York Giants. He received the 2006 Ed Block Courage Award, voted on by his teammates, for being able to return from the injury and not miss a game.
Adams, who played for Nick Saban at Michigan State, would like to add a Super Bowl ring to his resume before his career is finished.
The Cowboys have not been to the Super Bowl since 1996 when they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Dallas appeared to be on its way to at least the NFC title game a year ago when Tony Romo dropped the snap on a 19-yard field goal attempt by Martin Gramatica with 1 minute, 24 seconds left to play, which sealed a 21-20 win for the Seattle Seahawks.
If the Cowboys do reach the Super Bowl in January it will be under new coach Wade Phillips, who replaced Bill Parcells.
"Wade is more laid back than Bill was," said Adams, who underwent minor knee surgery on June 4. "Wade still works you very hard, but in a different way.
"We should have been there (Super Bowl) last year. We have to put that behind us now. I think that game will make us stronger. This is one of our best chances. We have the offense and defense all in place. Getting there should not be a problem if we all work together."
Adams, who earned all-state honors his senior year in football and wrestling at Proviso West, was a teammate of current Panthers varsity football coach Famous Hulbert.
"I would like to see him come back as often as he can along with other successful graduates from Proviso West," Hulbert said. "We're trying to find as many positive role models as we can. The kids are excited when they get a chance to work with a professional player. That's not something they get to do very often."
Staff Writer
There was one question in particular Flozell Adams was asked more than once on Friday morning at the first Ray McElroy Pro Football Youth Camp at Proviso West.
"A lot asked about T.O.," said Adams, referring to his controversial Dallas Cowboys teammate Terrell Owens. "There was very few questions on what it takes to get there (professional football) and stay there."
Adams, along with Mike Brown, Muhsin Muhammad and Jerry Azumah from the Chicago Bears, were among seven professional players on hand at the camp, which attracted 65 individuals between ages 12-18.
Returning to the school brought back some memories for Adams, who graduated from Proviso West in 1994.
The 6-foot-7, 340 pound Adams moved on to play collegiate football at Michigan State and was selected in the second round, 38th pick overall, by Dallas in the 1998 NFL draft.
As a senior, Adams was an All-American at Michigan State and the Big Ten offensive lineman of the year.
"It feels a little strange, but good to be back on this field," said Adams, who played in his third Pro Bowl in the last four seasons in February at Aloha Stadium in Hawaii. "Ray asked if I could help and I said I would in any way that I can. This isn't all about football. It's also talking to them about life situations. I want them to feel comfortable to come up and ask any questions they want."
Adams played in all 16 regular-season games for the Cowboys last year after battling back from a torn ACL injury in 2005, suffered on Oct. 16 against the New York Giants. He received the 2006 Ed Block Courage Award, voted on by his teammates, for being able to return from the injury and not miss a game.
Adams, who played for Nick Saban at Michigan State, would like to add a Super Bowl ring to his resume before his career is finished.
The Cowboys have not been to the Super Bowl since 1996 when they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Dallas appeared to be on its way to at least the NFC title game a year ago when Tony Romo dropped the snap on a 19-yard field goal attempt by Martin Gramatica with 1 minute, 24 seconds left to play, which sealed a 21-20 win for the Seattle Seahawks.
If the Cowboys do reach the Super Bowl in January it will be under new coach Wade Phillips, who replaced Bill Parcells.
"Wade is more laid back than Bill was," said Adams, who underwent minor knee surgery on June 4. "Wade still works you very hard, but in a different way.
"We should have been there (Super Bowl) last year. We have to put that behind us now. I think that game will make us stronger. This is one of our best chances. We have the offense and defense all in place. Getting there should not be a problem if we all work together."
Adams, who earned all-state honors his senior year in football and wrestling at Proviso West, was a teammate of current Panthers varsity football coach Famous Hulbert.
"I would like to see him come back as often as he can along with other successful graduates from Proviso West," Hulbert said. "We're trying to find as many positive role models as we can. The kids are excited when they get a chance to work with a professional player. That's not something they get to do very often."
posted by The Gryphon at 7:16 PM
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