Revisiting Phillip Adams' cause of death: Former 49ers CB's CTE pathology was similar to Aaron Hernandez

On April 8, 2021, former NFL cornerback Phillip Adams fatally shot himself during a standoff with police. The incident occurred a day after he shot and killed six people at a Rock Hill, South Carolina house. An autopsy on his brain later revealed that the 32-year-old had an advanced case of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

Boston University neuropathologist Dr. Ann McKee revealed in a December 2021 news conference that he had Stage 2 CTE. She added that Phillip Adams’ case was unusual because he had severe cases in both frontal lobes.

McKee was also the medical specialist who examined Aaron Hernandez’s brain after the former NFL tight end took his life in prison.

She compared Adams’ case to what Hernandez suffered from. However, she determined Hernandez’s case to be Stage 3, a condition rarely seen in individuals below 46. Stage 4 is the most severe. An unusual buildup of a protein called tau in the brain is a common trait among individuals with CTE.

Aaron Hernandez had a contentious life that led to several arrests. The most notable of his run-ins with the law came after he murdered Odin Lloyd. He was charged with first-degree murder, corresponding to life in prison, and five gun-related charges.

Meanwhile, Adams' father, Lorenzo, claimed that playing football "messed him up," leading to the tragic incident.

CTE is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to behavioral, cognitive, and emotional problems. It often happens to individuals in striking sports like mixed martial arts and contact sports like football.

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Phillip Adams’ journeyman NFL career

After four years at South Carolina State, the San Francisco 49ers took Phillip Adams in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He had 13 tackles in his rookie year. The 49ers released him before the 2011 season but he was signed by the New England Patriots a few weeks later. The Patriots waived him after six games and he eventually joined the Seattle Seahawks, where he played only one game.

Adams played for the Oakland Raiders in 2012 and 2013, the longest stint he had with any NFL team. In 2014, the New York Jets claimed him off waivers after an unsuccessful return attempt with the Seahawks. He played his final NFL season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2015. It also turned out to be his best season, finishing with a career-high 38 tackles, one forced fumble, and an interception.

Phillip Adams had a career total of 128 tackles, 15 passes defended, and five interceptions. More importantly, he had no criminal record prior to his fatal shooting.