Video: Raiders’ Davante Adams Talks Michael Jordan Influence, Says He’s NFL No. 1 WR

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIJuly 30, 2024

Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams sat down with GQ to discuss 10 essential items that he can’t live without. And in the midst of that conversation, Adams reiterated that he’s the NFL’s best wide receiver while also noting the influence that Michael Jordan has had on his life.

Adams recently mentioned on the Club Shay Shay show with Shannon Sharpe that he was unequivocally better than the NFL’s elite wide receivers, noting that Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson was No. 2.

Club Shay Shay @ClubShayShay. @tae15adams Says He’s Better Than @JJettas2, @cheetah, @_CeeDeeThree & @Real10jayy__

“If you say the best, 1-7 and you probably go 18 after that…I feel like this, over the last 6 years there’s only been one person people can’t take out of their top 3 and that’s me.” pic.twitter.com/rfAfYms7BS

During the GQ segment, Adams talked about designing his own cleats, and one pair had the phrase, “Top Two Not Two,” obviously implying his thought on being the NFL’s best at his position.

“That’s just to let everybody know in case they do forget,” Adams said.

Adams, a Jordan Brand athlete since March 2020, also spoke about his admiration for Michael Jordan.

“As a lifelong Jordan fan, Michael Jordan fan, and the brand of Jordan, you’re never guaranteed to be on that brand. So to be a part of elite company, it means a lot to me. But to be stamped by Michael himself means a lot as well. So I try to do the best that I can on the field to be a good reflection of the brand. I think I’m the most competitive active athlete. I think Michael Jordan is the most competitive human being who ever lived. Whether he’s golfing, he’s out there, they paying up bets after every hole. To hear that he’s still playing 36 holes of golf a day, that’s a different level of competitive edge, and I admire that about him, and I try to put a little bit of that into my secret sauce as well.”

The 31-year-old Adams is entering his 11th NFL season. The ex-Fresno State star is a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro with 872 catches, 10,781 receiving yards and 95 touchdowns to his name. He’s twice led the NFL in receiving touchdowns and registered 1,100 or more receiving yards and 100 or more catches on five occasions apiece. Last year, Adams finished with 103 catches or 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns.