By: Raider Kush & Raider Way
In the ruthless realm of the NFL, where dreams are made or shattered with the call of a draft pick, there exists a tale of an undrafted warrior who defied the odds and blazed his own path predicated on two words: WORK ETHIC
His name is Adam Plant, Jr. and his journey from the University of Nevada Las Vegas to the Las Vegas Raiders is one that will inspire and captivate Raider Nation. So join us, Raider Kush & Raider Way, two hard-working authors and content creators within the Raider Nation, who share a similar work ethic as Adam, as we delve into the extraordinary story of Adam Plant Jr., a relentless force determined to carve his name in the halls of Raider history.
The Thunderous Arrival:
Imagine the anticipation and exhilaration of being a senior for the UNLV Rebels, standing tall at 6 foot 5, weighing 260 pounds, and leaving a trail of destruction in your wake?
That was Adam Plant Jr., a force to be reckoned with, with EIGHT (8) sacks 13.5 TFL’s (Tackles for Loss), 62 Tackles and 3 FF (Forced Fumbles) in his final season and an additional 3 1/2 sacks in the preceding years.
(Note) Adam ensured we got his statistical numbers correct, as some sports outlets have reported it incorrectly in the past.
Plant’s tenacity and raw talent caught the attention of scouts. Yet, he was left undrafted, igniting a fire within him that burns brighter than ever.
The Athlete’s Spirit:
Adam Plant’s athleticism extends beyond the football field. He was a talented power forward in basketball and almost joined the University of Arizona to play alongside Shareef O’Neal, the son of legendary NBA player Shaquille O’Neal.
Their close bond and Adam’s exposure to the O’Neal family have shaped his positive mindset and taught him the importance of resilience and entrepreneurship.
The Power of Mentors: Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones:
In the crucible of greatness, the embers of talent can be transformed into a raging inferno. For Adam Plant, the guidance and mentorship of two defensive juggernauts, Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones, have been instrumental in his evolution as a player, taking his embers to add to their long standing fire for success in the NFL.
These Raiders veterans have taken Plant under their wing, recognizing his unwavering work ethic and inspiring him to push his boundaries on and off the field. Their influence has shaped Plant’s journey, setting the stage for him to emerge as a true Raider warrior. How long that lasts, is yet to be determined, which means Plant doesn’t take a second of his experience in the Silver and Black for granted.
The Beat of Inspiration:
As I immersed my inspirations for this article in Adam Plant’s world, our conversation unfolded, revealing his favorite music—a playlist that fueled my own drive as I wrote this article. From the hard-hitting mixture of Drake, Future, Meek Mill, and Rick Ross, to the indomitable spirit of the late Nipsey Hussle, the rhythm of these artists echoed through my veins, echoing the passion and determination that drives Adam Plant Jr. every day. When asked about if he had any pre game musical inspirations, he instantly responded with a playlist:
“Pregame songs:
Grenade by No Cap
Vulture island by Rob 49
712pm by Future”
As well as his 2 favorite Nipsey Hustle songs: Ocean Views & Blue Laces 2, which Adam made sure to refer to these particular favorites separate from all the others, out of respect for the late Nipsey Hustle and the impact those two songs have on him in his life and career so far.
A Family Forged in Greatness:
Behind every fierce athlete stands a family that has molded them into the individual they are today. Enter Adam Plant Sr., a man whose life journey intertwined with legends.
As the bodyguard for none other than Shaquille O’Neal, Floyd Mayweather, and Snoop Dogg, Plant Senior has witnessed greatness firsthand. These experiences, coupled with his role as a father alongside Mika Plant, have instilled within Adam Plant, Junior, a deep-rooted work ethic, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
A Taste of Greatness: TastyT’s Cheesecakes and beyond:
Adam Plant, Senior, not only raised his son to be a formidable force on the football field but also fostered an entrepreneurial spirit within him. As the driving force behind a family business specializing in custom cheesecakes, Adam Plant Senior’s discerning palate has left no room for mediocrity. Check out the best cheesecakes in the world right here: tastytscheesecakes.com
Their future franchise promises to deliver culinary delights that match the caliber of their cheesecakes, crafted with the same dedication and attention to detail that Plant, Junior, brings to his game.
Nurturing the Flame: The Impactful Coaching Staff:
(Defensive Line Coach Rob Leonard)
In the crucible of greatness, a player’s journey is often shaped by the hands of their coaches. Adam Plant, Junior, owes a debt of gratitude to defensive line coach Rob Leonard and defensive assistant and pass rush specialist Matt Edwards.
(Pass Rush Specialist Matt Edwards)
These two men pour their hearts and souls into coaching, igniting a fire within the young player. Witnessing their dedication and relentless pursuit of perfection, Plant is driven to up his game each day, soaking in every nugget of wisdom imparted by his mentors.
The Influence of Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham:
Adam acknowledges the immense knowledge and guidance provided by the Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham. Graham’s expertise has played a crucial role in honing the skills of Plant and his fellow defensive teammates, providing them with a strong foundation for success.
Sports Idols and Inspirations:
Plant draws inspiration from renowned football players like Julian Peppers and Jadeveon Clowney. Emulating his game after the explosive Jason Pierre-Paul, he aspires to leave an indelible mark on the Raiders’ defensive line. Adam’s admiration for LeBron James also exemplifies his passion for greatness in multiple sports.
Conclusion:
Adam Plant, Junior, stands at the precipice of greatness, fueled by an unyielding work ethic, a burning desire to prove himself, and the unwavering support of his family and mentors.
As he embarks on his journey as a Las Vegas Raider, the echoes of his favorite songs reverberate through his every step. With his sights set on the stars, Adam Plant Jr., is poised to etch his name in the long list of Raider UDFA history, a true embodiment of the spirit that makes Raider Nation strong, the folks who have work ethic, who carry the underdog flame with everything they do.
Connect with Adam Plant Junior on Instagram: @apjthe1. Please tell him Raiders Kush & Way sent you.
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