FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Longtime New England Patriots defensive lineman Julius Adams, a 50th Anniversary Team selection who played defensive end for the team from 1971-1985 and then again in 1987, has died. He was 67 years old.
Born April 26, 1948, in Macon, Georgia, Adams played 16 seasons for the Patriots after joining the team as a second-round draft pick (27th overall) out of Texas Southern in 1971. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, starting in 11 games and being named to the UPI all-rookie team.
Adams’ 15 seasons as a Patriot is tied with Troy Brown for third, behind Steve Grogan and Tom Brady, who each have played 16 seasons.