Former NFL linebacker opens thrift shop/antique store in Fayetteville

A hard-hitting linebacker who started in Super Bowl XXXIX and an antique/thrift store owner. No, it’s not the premise for a sitcom about mismatched roommates. In fact, the linebacker and the antique store owner are the same person, Keith Adams.

Adams, a Westlake High School graduate, played college ball at Clemson University and played eight seasons in the NFL with four different teams. He is also the owner of Jericho Thrift Shop in Fayetteville, a for-profit thrift store that purchases new and used items from local charities and department stores, as well as some antique items from sellers in the United States and Europe, and provides additional and often vital funding for local Christian based charities to benefit needy families and individuals. Two charities that are close to Adams’ heart are breast cancer research (his mother is a survivor) and helping inner city kids.

“It’s a great way to give back to the community,” said Adams of his thrift shops. The location in Fayetteville is the second one. Adam’s first thrift shop is located in Clemson, South Carolina.

How does an NFL linebacker get into antiques?

“I’ve always liked nice things and old furniture,” said Adams, who stated that he does a lot of reading, research and travel to find some of the antique items in his stores. “It’s a passion for me, knowing who made the item in what time period. I only get things that I would like to have and I know that my customers will like it too.”

Adams opened both stores this year and both are off to a great start. He credits his faith and hard work for their success.
“I’m very spiritual, so I always trust in the Lord and lean on him,” Adams said. “I work hard too. I’m up at 5 a.m. every day doing research to bring the best to the stores.” The stores also get donations from other NFL players, especially at the beginning and end of the season, and Jericho Thrift Shop is unique in that they will pick up donations. They will donate the items they can’t use to shelters or other organizations.

Adams last season in the NFL was with Cleveland in 2007, but he is working hard to make a comeback and feels it is just a matter of time. His father, Julius, was a 16 year NFL veteran, and Adams certainly has the talent to continue. In college, he was rated the number one linebacker two years in a row, finished second for the Butkus Award, held 16 school records, led the nation in tackles and was second in sacks. He was a three time All-American and was drafted into the NFL as a true junior.

In the NFL, he played a year and a half in Dallas, three and a half years in Philadelphia, a year in Miami and a year in Cleveland. During his tenure in Philadelphia, Adams had the best seasons of his career. He had the first four tackles of the NFC Championship against the Falcons and started in the Super Bowl against the Patriots.

Talking about the 2005 Falcons brought up Michael Vick and Adams weighed in on the issue.

“He who is without sin should cast the first stone,” said Adams. “What he did was wrong, but I’m glad he has a second chance. Christ says forgive to be forgiven.”

Adams, 29, works out three hours a day and feels he is in the best shape of his life. With the time he spends in the gym, researching and working for his thrift shops and spending time with his wife, Yolanda, and three children, Keith Jr., Brooke and Cassidy, it sometimes seems as if there aren’t enough hours in the day, but Adams has a relaxed and easy going demeanor. He talks about his NFL career and hopes for a comeback, knowing that he knows what it takes and that an NFL team could come calling for a seasoned vet with Super Bowl experience at any time.

Until that call comes, he is happy to have his shop in Fayetteville open. Each sale means that more portions of the proceeds can go to the charities he wants to assist.
“I am doing my best to leave my mark on this world,” said Adams.

Jericho Thrift Shop is located at 119 North Park Dr. in Fayetteville. It is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Phone 678-613-6062 for more information.