Personal

Gerald Hayes grew up in Paterson, NJ and attended high school with childhood best friend, Mike Adams (Cleveland Browns) at Passaic Technical High School in Wayne, New Jersey . As an artist in high school Hayes won numerous awards for his pencil drawings which traveled to numerous galleries throughout New Jersey.

College Highlights

Three-time first-team all-Big East Conference selection at Pittsburgh Hayes was the first Panther defender to record three consecutive 100-tackle seasons since all-America linebacker Jerry Olsavsky accomplished the feat from 1986–88. Hayes’ career statistics include 387 total tackles (243 solos), 13.5 quarterback sacks, nine pass deflections, and two interceptions with starts in 36 of 44 games, only Tom Tumulty (413, 1991–95), Hugh Green (441, 1977–80) and Arnie Weatherington (477, 1973–76) recorded more tackles in their Panther careers.

Career Totals

The Arizona Cardinals selected Gerald Hayes out of Pittsburgh in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft (70th overall). The Arizona Cardinals are the 2008-09 NFC Champions appearing in Super Bowl XLIII against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hayes served was voted Co-Captain for the team during 2008-09 season. Hayes led the Cardinals with 98 tackles in 2007, a career high. He also set career highs with four sacks and three pass deflections. Hayes ran in his first pick return for a touchdown. In 2006, Hayes recovered well from his 2005 injury. He started in all 14 games he appeared in for the Cardinals. Hayes recorded a career-high 93 tackles and three interceptions. Hayes made his first career sack in the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers.

Off the Field Highlights:

The Rising Stars Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded by Mike "Pops" Adams (Cleveland Browns) and Gerald Hayes(Arizona Cardinals). These two professional football players are committed to changing the lives of the inner-city children in their native Paterson, New Jersey. The Rising Stars Foundation, Inc. provides academic, social, cultural, and life skills instruction and exposure for the kids who are most often "forgotten." The Rising Stars motto is "Reaching Back, while Moving Forward."

Michael Adams: Defensive Back, Cleveland Browns
also visit: www.pops20.com

Personal

Michael Adams, Defensive Back with the Cleveland Browns has been in the NFL for six years. He hails from Paterson, N.J and attended high school with best friend, Gerald Hayes (Arizona Cardinals) at Passaic Technical High School. He was Nicknamed ‘Pops’ by his grandmother. He earned all-state honors and was one of top 100 players in New Jersey, all-area, All-Passaic County and second-team all-state selection as a senior. Adams lettered in track and baseball. He is one of seven children.

Professional

Adams signed with the Cleveland Browns on April 2, 2007, playing in 29 games with the Browns with 5 starts. Signed three year extension deal to remain with the Cleveland Browns on March 6, 2009. Has a cumulative total of 51 total tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, with 2 interceptions on defense; 1 PBU & 1 RF. Special teams tackles recorded a total of 15 and 1 RF over 2007-2008 seasons. During Pittsburgh game on 9/14/08, as a starter at SS was part of a defensive effort that held the Steelers to 281 net yards of offense.

Added his sixth career interception, first as a member of the Browns on 9/21/08 game at Baltimore, part of a defensive effort that limited the Ravens to 273 net yards of offense. At Cincinnati 9/28/08, started at SS adding 3 tackles, including 2 solo, 1 interception for 18 yards and 1 recovered fumble. 2nd quarter added second interception on the year. In the 4th quarter, recovered a fumble. Signed three year extension deal to remain with the Cleveland Browns on March 6, 2009.

Collegiate University of Delaware Newark, DE

Started 23-of-43 career games at the University of Delaware. Posted 213 tackles, 11 interceptions and 14 PBU, 11 interceptions ranked 11th in school history. Earned second-team All-Atlantic 10 honors as a senior, registered 70 tackles, 39 solo, 4 interceptions, 6 PBU, 2.5 TFL and 1 blocked field goal. Started all 10 games at strong safety as a junior and posted 63 tackles, 3 TFL, 3 PBU, 3 interceptions and 1 forced fumble. Earned 2nd Team All Atlantic 10.

Off the Field Highlights

The Rising Stars Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded by Mike "Pops" Adams and Gerald Hayes. These two professional football players are committed to changing the lives of the inner-city children in their native Paterson, New Jersey. The Rising Stars Foundation, Inc. provides academic, social, cultural, and life skills instruction and exposure for the kids who are most often "forgotten." The Rising Stars motto is "Reaching Back, while Moving Forward."

I AM NOT A HERO Foundation Partnership As part of the Rising Stars Foundation, safety Mike Adams provided 10 tickets to all home game for military members and their families with the I AM NOT A HERO Foundation, Inc. Because of Adams’ generosity, members of the military, along with their families are able to enjoy Browns games in person at Cleveland Browns Stadium throughout the season.

Give Thanks Outreach Initiative (along with Teammate Josh Cribbs, shopped and delivered Thanksgiving groceries to ten (10) needy families in the Cleveland area (Tues. Nov 18, 2008) Hometown Huddle: Adams participated in the team organized Hometown Huddle helping to build a playground for youth in Cleveland, Ohio.

Spirit Night at Damon’s Grille, OH. Mike Adams hosted an evening of fun, games, autograph sessions, giveaways and fundraising to benefit the Rising Stars Foundation. Teammates come out to meet and greet the fans, sign autographs and support Adams. 15% of all food and non-alcohol beverages purchased are donated to Rising Stars Foundation.

Christmas Gifting at Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Youth Center: During Christmas holidays Adams, along with teammate Shaun Smith, teamed up to purchase Christmas gifts for the children of the Cleveland Clinic Rehab Center. The youth had endured many physical challenges via injury or sickness, but Adams and Smith brought smiles and temporary healing to their hearts on this day. (December 2008)