For decades, nobody really knew what former New England Patriots “Football Research Director” Ernie Adams actually did for the greatest dynasty in sports history. All we know is that Adams played a pivotal role as Bill Belichick’s childhood right-hand man, first leaving Wall Street to join Belichick’s staff with the Cleveland Browns in 1991, and eventually following him to Foxboro.
Adams’ name quickly disappeared into Patriots folklore, mentioned only in passing or among diehard fans around a backyard fire pit following his retirement in 2021. That’s until this summer, with the arrival of new head coach Mike Vrabel and a staff that includes a shadow partner who sounds a little too familiar.