Even in his short time in New York, Davante Adams wants to be a culture shifter.
Addressing the media on Wednesday afternoon, the star wideout discussed the speech that quarterback Aaron Rodgers called “the most real” he had heard in 20 years.
“It’s not really my personality to see something that’s not right and just let it go on, regardless of whether it’s from the coaches, players, management, support staff, whoever. So, obviously, there was a lack of energy and urgency. And it was apparent, especially coming from teams that have had that winning culture,” said Adams.
“I just took a moment to let them know. I had reservations about speaking up too early and being too vocal. But I felt like, in my mind, eff that because I need to. We don’t have time, and I have to do whatever I have to do to help this team move forward… it was something that I wouldn’t have been able to sleep if I didn’t speak up on it.”
Adams also added that he got “good feedback” from the players and staff after he spoke his piece in the locker room. He also emphasized the importance of the Jets having energy going forward.
“A lot of these guys in here haven’t been anywhere else where they’ve won. I’ve had that urgency that it takes to be a good team. This team is so talented, roster-wise. It’s just a waste to have everybody out there and, you know, to have a dead sideline like that.
“Breece catches a ball and goes 60, and we don’t feed off any of the energy. Those types of plays are supposed to be contagious for the rest of the team. So that’s basically what I saw and what I told them,” said Adams.
Adams also said that he was brought here to “help shift this culture more than anything.” The wide receiver emphasized that the team’s level of energy and play “wasn’t to the standard.”
It is both impressive and possibly concerning that Adams has already had to take a clear leadership role for the Jets.
On one hand, Adams is demonstrating his value for the Jets. Not only is he an upper-echelon player and talent, but he can foster a winning environment in the locker room.
Yet, Adams’s speaking up is an indictment on the rest of the roster. It is very fair to ask why Adams had to be the one to speak up. Are any other players displaying leadership? And will they respond poorly to Adams’s words?
The impromptu speech could pay big dividends and help turn New York’s season around. On the other hand, it could be the beginning of a fiery end to the 2024 season. Either way, the first glimpse of the result will be seen this Sunday against the Patriots.
