Homecoming Par-Tae

Photo by Cary Edmondson (’03)

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams returned to Fresno on Oct. 15, as his No. 15 jersey was retired on homecoming at Valley Children’s Stadium.

Perhaps the best receiver in the NFL, “Tae” Adams has amassed 8,779 yards and 80 touchdowns in eight-plus seasons since being drafted in the second round by the Green Bay Packers. This is the five-time Pro Bowler’s first season with the Raiders, where he teamed up with his former college quarterback, Derek Carr, who surprised him on the sideline as his jersey was retired.

Adams was greeted by a sellout crowd as the Bulldogs beat rival San Jose State 17-10. Upon arriving on the field with his family, Adams walked over to the stands to take photos and sign autographs for dozens of joyous fans.

In a recent Raiders press conference, Adams called Fresno State “the best university in the world.”

“It’s about the community and the camaraderie between people that you’ve never even met before,” Adams says. “It’s a certain sense of comfort that I have with them, and I’ve enjoyed that since the beginning. That’s something that let me know that I came to the right place, as soon as I got here. The overwhelming love that I get from the fans and the city, it’s just amazing.”

Adams was a two-time All-American at Fresno State in 2012-13, after redshirting during the 2011 season. In just two seasons, Adams set 14 Mountain West records and 11 Fresno State records, including 38 career touchdown receptions.

Adams becomes the ninth Fresno State football alumnus to have his jersey retired, joining No. 4 Derek Carr (2009-13), No. 8 David Carr (1997-2001), No. 9 Kevin Sweeney (1983-86), No. 12 Trent Dilfer (1991-93), No. 14 Vince Petrucci (1976-78), No. 21 Dale Messer (1958-60), No. 22 Lorenzo Neal (1989-92) and No. 83 Henry Ellard (1979-82).