Few quarterback–wide receiver duos in NFL history have displayed the chemistry, precision, and dominance of Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. From the moment Adams entered the league in 2014 as a second-round pick for the Green Bay Packers, his career trajectory became closely tied to Rodgers — a future Hall of Fame quarterback who would go on to win three MVP awards during their time together.
Rodgers captured the NFL’s Most Valuable Player honor in 2014, 2020, and 2021, and Adams played an integral role in all three seasons. The veteran quarterback’s trademark accuracy and ability to place the football exactly where it needed to be elevated Adams’ game, while Adams’ precise route-running, elite hands, and football IQ made him one of the most dangerous weapons in the league. Together, they formed one of the most feared offensive connections of the past decade.
—
Different Paths After 2024
Following the 2024 NFL season, both Rodgers and Adams moved on from their short-lived reunion with the New York Jets. Adams signed with the Los Angeles Rams, adding another elite weapon to Sean McVay’s offense, while Rodgers inked a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers for what is expected to be the final chapter of his storied career.
Now in his farewell season, Rodgers recently joined CBS Sports’ Bryant McFadden for a wide-ranging conversation about the game, his career, and the great receivers he’s played with. One segment of the interview challenged Rodgers to build the “perfect” wide receiver by picking specific attributes — such as size, speed, hands, and football IQ — from the best he has ever seen.
—
Rodgers Picks Adams for Football IQ
When it came to selecting the ideal football IQ, Rodgers didn’t hesitate. He chose Davante Adams, citing the Rams star’s ability to understand defenses, read coverages, and anticipate adjustments in real time. For Rodgers, this wasn’t just a compliment to Adams’ skill set — it was a nod to their years of working in sync, where their mental connection was as important as their physical execution.
During their Green Bay days, Rodgers and Adams often seemed to operate on their own wavelength, reading each other’s minds mid-play and improvising routes to exploit defensive weaknesses. That connection carried over — albeit briefly — during their stint with the Jets, offering fans a glimpse of their old magic before both players moved on.
“It’s the way he processes the game,” Rodgers told McFadden. “We were always on the same page. It didn’t matter if the defense showed us something unexpected — we both saw it, and we both adjusted the same way.”
—
A Lasting Legacy
Rodgers’ praise of Adams’ football IQ reinforces what many analysts and fans already believe: Adams is one of the smartest and most complete receivers to ever play in the NFL. His ability to pair elite physical tools with an advanced mental approach to the game has kept him at the top of his position for over a decade.
Even as their careers wind toward different conclusions _Rodgers toward retirement and Adams toward what could be another Pro Bowl season with the Rams — the bond they forged in Green Bay remains undeniable. And with Rodgers publicly singling him out as the gold standard for football intelligence, Adams’ legacy as one of the greatest receivers of his era continues to grow.