GREENWOOD, S.C. - Cambridge Academy athletic director Ray Tackett said Wednesday the school plans to retire Gaines Adams' number 22 jersey in honor of the former Bears defensive end. Adams passed away Sunday following cardiac arrest attributed to an enlarged heart.
"Nobody will ever wear 22 again," Tackett said. "And we're going to name a football award after him, the 'Gaines Adams MVP' award."
Tackett said the jersey ceremony is likely to take place before the first home football game in the fall. A memorial service for Adams was held at the school on Tuesday.
Adams, the team's go-to receiver and a two-way standout, led Cambridge to a 12-1 record and state title in 2000 while playing eight-man football. After one year of prep school, Adams went on to be an All-American at Clemson and become the fourth-overall draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the '07 draft.
Tackett said the school is considering naming its football field after Adams.
A Clemson official said the university might consider retiring Adams' number 93 jersey, although nothing is imminent.
The funeral will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley, S.C. Members of the Bears will charter a plane to attend. The Buccaneers will do the same.
Register with Chicago Tribune and receive Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks newsletters for free. 
When sports news breaks, be the first to know. (To get alerts on a mobile device, text CHISPORTS to 31286.). 
Get our updates on 
