East Michigan News

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Returning to one's roots is a privilege not everyone experiences, especially in collegiate athletics. For Eastern Michigan University senior defensive lineman Jefferson Adam (Ypsilanti, Mich./Washtenaw International/Hocking College/Iowa State), coming back to Ypsilanti is more than an opportunity to play football. It represents a full-circle moment and a chance to inspire the community that shaped him.

"It's an awesome feeling," Adam reflects on playing where he grew up. "For me, it's bigger than football. It's about setting an example." As the eldest of three boys, Adam emphasizes his role as a leader both on and off the field. "I have two little brothers, so it's important to set the foundation—not just by being a good football player but by being disciplined, obsessed with your goals, and taking care of school and academics."

Adam's sense of responsibility extends beyond his family. He frequently visits his former elementary school and Little League football team, offering guidance to younger generations. "I try to go back and give these kids an example, especially those who might not have the same resources or guidance. I want them to know, 'Here's how I did it, and you can do it too.'"

This drive stems from Adam's own experiences growing up as a first-generation American. He witnessed the hard work and determination of his parents after they immigrated from Niger, West Africa. "My parents instilled hard work in me from an early age," Adam recalls. "I saw it firsthand, and it taught me that adversity is going to come no matter what you do. The key is staying consistent and trusting that you'll reap the rewards later."

Despite knowing little about American football when they arrived in the United States, Adam's parents were steadfast supporters from the beginning. "My dad actually put me in football when I was six years old," he says.

Adam's journey has not been without struggles. Coming out of high school as a safety weighing only 165-170 pounds during COVID-19 disrupted recruitment paths for many athletes like him. He took matters into his own hands by training at Planet Fitness through their free summer program for teenagers.

His transformation led him to junior college at Hocking College in Ohio—a decision inspired by watching Netflix’s *Last Chance U*. Although facing adversity at this non-scholarship JUCO institution was tough for Adam; perseverance paid off when he became Hocking College’s first player earning placement on Power Five team Iowa State before realizing it wasn’t right fit ultimately leading return home joining EMU instead following faith persistence despite mental health challenges questioning path along way

When invited back home offer brought tears eyes making greater impact beyond himself eager running out tunnel Rynearson Stadium Sept 14 against Jacksonville State envisioning saying executed job culmination years sacrifice faith wearing jersey number 85 holding special meaning previously worn numbers adding up realization learning experiences coming light determined hitting gym multiple times daily eating lifting using YouTube Google guides reaching weight milestones

Ypsilanti isn’t merely hometown but potential-filled community believed lacking resources preventing nonprofits efforts difference-making opportunities achieved remains connected heritage proudly carrying symbols including Niger flag Africa necklace awaiting visiting parents' homeland inspiring season proving belonging demonstrating journey inspiring others referencing team's theme year negative talk Eastern lately showing world working head down focused passionate giving back eager nonprofit involvement helping causes resonating offering time effort

Jefferson Adam’s journey exemplifies perseverance faith power self-belief preparing lead Eagles upcoming season carrying community shoulders determination making proud.

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