Adams attended Dublin Coffman High School in Dublin, Ohio, where he was an All-State selection as a junior and senior. Regarded as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Adams was listed as the No. 1 offensive tackle prospect in the class of 2008.
After Adams tested positive for drug use at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine the Pittsburgh Steelers initially removed him from their draft board. Determined to be selected by his favorite team, Adams met with head coachMike Tomlin, general managerKevin Colbert, and team owner Art Rooney II. After professing his love for the Steelers and willingness to rectify his mistake, Adams was reconsidered by the historically strict franchise. He was selected in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pittsburgh Steelers
On May 8, 2012, the Steelers signed Adams to a four-year, $3.54 million contract with a signing bonus of $1.01 million and $1.01 million guaranteed. Adams played in his first career game on September 9, 2012, against the Denver Broncos. On October 21, 2012, he received his first career start in a 24–17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. He then started the next 5 games. He finished his rookie season with 6 starts in 10 games. On September 8, 2013, Adams started the Steelers' season opener against the Tennessee Titans. After four consecutive starts to begin the season, he was benched due to ineffective play. He finished his second season with 10 starts in 15 games. After beginning his third season as a back-up, Adams received his first start of the year on October 26, 2014, in a 51–34 win over the Indianapolis Colts. He would not return to his starting role until Week 13. During his third season he started 4 times in 16 games. In early June 2015, Adams was placed on the PUP list before training camp in order to recuperate from a back surgery. On May 5, 2016, Adams was released after failing a physical, ending his tumultuous career with the team.
Adams signed with the Chicago Bears on August 10, 2016. He played in 12 games with one start in 2016 before suffering a back injury and was placed on injured reserve on December 12, 2016.
