Tempered humility honored at Adams' funeral

EASLEY, S.C. - Defensive end Gaines Adams was remembered for his enormous talent, quiet humility and an amazing smile that drew people to him throughout his football career.

"They all talked about that smile," Tommy Bowden, Adams' college coach at Clemson, recalled Friday.

More than 1,000 family members, friends, fans and teammates gathered at Rock Springs Baptist Church to celebrate the life of Adams, the 26-year-old defensive end who died Sunday from an enlarged heart.

Adams was an All-American at Clemson and taken fourth overall by Tampa Bay in the 2007 NFL draft. Adams was traded to Chicago midway through this season.

It was not Adams' way to complain or worry over things that didn't go as planned. Bears coach Lovie Smith told the crowd that soon after the trade, Adams called to ask how he could best help his new team succeed.

"He came in like a man, ready to work," Smith said.

Bowden,