Aging is never easy for NFL wide receivers — especially those in their mid-30s, when the sharp cuts and quick changes of direction needed to separate from cornerbacks begin to fade.
Entering Year 13, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams — who turned 33 last December — has reached that point in his career. He knows it. He battles it.
Speaking with reporters Sunday after practice, Adams addressed getting older while insisting he still has high-level play left in him.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
"I am the old man and I feel young because I can still go out there and do young man stuff, but then my body don't necessarily feel the same way it's done as it was back at Puka [Nacua]'s age," Adams said. "At the end of the day, what's 13 times seven? Because this is dog years out here. It's a whole different ball game than living years. If I can continue to play at a high level, I'll deal with the other stuff, whether it's talking about me being old or a little bit of extra pain. It's just a little extra work you have to do to come out of it."
Adams had a strong first season with the Rams in 2025, catching 60 passes for nearly 800 yards and a league-leading 14 touchdowns despite missing three regular-season games with a hamstring injury. He returned in time to help the Rams reach the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 2021.
Adams may no longer be the perennial All-Pro he was in Green Bay and Las Vegas, but he remains an elite No. 2 option — and a key piece in unlocking the offense, particularly in the red zone, where he was nearly unstoppable last season. Rams coach Sean McVay is entirely comfortable pairing Adams with fellow receiver Puka Nacua atop the receiving corps.
Sean McVay speaks about Davante Adams
"This guy is a pillar for our football team," McVay said. "He's a key leader and critical factor. He is a total stud. He's a future gold jacket guy."
The Rams enter 2026 as favorites to win the Super Bowl, ahead of NFC West rival and reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. That makes this season especially meaningful for Adams, who has never advanced past the conference championship round in his career.
