Join us for episode #1 where I sit down with Adam Jennings to discuss not only his football career but also his very challenging upbringing in a fatherless home, the men who stepped in and became father figures to him as well as his own experience of being a father. Adam spent several years in the NFL playing for the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants and Detroit Lions after a very successful collegiate career as a Fresno State Bulldog. We’ll take you on a journey from Adam’s most memorable play of Adam’s NFL career to what it’s like being teammates with Michael Vick and Calvin Johnson. We also dive into what it was like growing up without a father in his home, the men who stepped up to fill that void along with his own experience of being a father and we end up sharing some of our biggest screwups as a dad. Sit back and take in the very first episode of the Dad to Dads Podcast.
Join us for episode #1 where I sit down with Adam Jennings to discuss not only his football career but also his very challenging upbringing in a fatherless home, the men who stepped in and became father figures to him as well as his own experience of being a father. Adam spent several years in the NFL playing for the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants and Detroit Lions after a very successful collegiate career as a Fresno State Bulldog. We’ll take you on a journey from Adam’s most memorable play of Adam’s NFL career to what it’s like being teammates with Michael Vick and Calvin Johnson. We also dive into what it was like growing up without a father in his home, the men who stepped up to fill that void along with his own experience of being a father and we end up sharing some of our biggest screwups as a dad. Sit back and take in the very first episode of the Dad to Dads Podcast.
Robert Poirier (00:01.875)
Hey everyone and welcome to Dad to Dad's podcast. I'm Robert and today I have the pleasure of introducing and interviewing a good friend of mine. Guy I've known for several years, played professional football. I was drafted in 2006 by the Atlanta Falcons. Also played, also played for...
Adam Jennings (00:28.45)
We had to cough. And they're like, whoa, whoa. What the hell?
Robert Poirier (00:31.115)
I don't know why I just, you know, it's either that or throw up. Uh, also, uh, was with the, uh, giants as well as the lions and college was with, uh, Fresno state, Mr. Adam Jennings. How are you doing? What did I miss?
Adam Jennings (00:43.658)
Yes, sir. Hey.
Adam Jennings (00:49.918)
You talking about outside of the coffee? Like the mid.
Robert Poirier (00:54.131)
It's just hard for me to say Atlanta Falcons. I mean.
Adam Jennings (00:58.369)
I know as a Saints fan I completely understand.
Robert Poirier (01:01.951)
But all right, so let's kind of jump in for a minute.
Robert Poirier (01:07.663)
with you, you were drafted by the land of Falcons in 20, I mean in Oh six. Uh, you were like Mr. Special teams, everything from punt return, kick return, uh, probably both sides, both sides, which best, which special does with special teams, wide receiver also correct.
Adam Jennings (01:28.394)
Yeah, yeah, that's absolutely correct. That's really all I did plays teams. So I was covering kicks, returning kicks, blocking for punts, the whole nine. So I mean, I did a little bit of kick return blocking. It was probably when somebody was a little bit better than me, but like Jarius Norwood or guys like that. But yeah, that was really my job. I didn't play receiver. They didn't put me on the field. So it's okay.
Robert Poirier (01:55.943)
Okay, I want to kind of go through your professional career a little bit in a minute. But first I want to find out what have you so since your professional life, what have you been up to since then? Because you because you when was the last year you play was it 10?
Adam Jennings (02:10.19)
So...
Adam Jennings (02:15.37)
Yeah, I think it was like 2009 was my actual season. And since then, like I made a transition into real estate, you know, started, you know, selling investment properties, multi-tenant retail was the initial angle. Went back, got my masters in real estate, then, you know, actually took off a little bit with Stan Johnson. After that,
Robert Poirier (02:18.835)
Okay. Okay.
Adam Jennings (02:44.254)
went back, got another master's in, which I think you and I have discussed this, probably the most regrettable master's degree I've ever gotten. It was a terrible idea. But it was in engineering, construction in engineering.
Robert Poirier (03:02.391)
Yeah, pretty impressive though. I mean, you have two masters as well and continuing to get your education. So I mean, that's
Adam Jennings (03:09.522)
Yeah, I think insecurity has always driven me in certain places that I've been. I don't feel good enough in commercial real estate. I don't feel good enough in construction and development. So I continue to attempt to go back and find the answers that I don't have. It's helped me out a ton. But still, I don't have the answers.
Robert Poirier (03:37.907)
And then also you have a little coaching career going on as well, right? Right now, at least.
Adam Jennings (03:42.858)
Yeah, yeah, so I'm coaching my youngest son, Ace, and then AJ as well, coach them in baseball and football. So.
Adam Jennings (03:52.818)
It's, I mean, that's kind of where my passion lies, is helping those guys out and having fun on the football field, especially. Like, this is my first year back on the field, and it's been an incredible year so far. It's kind of woken me up, brought me back to the game, in which I left a long time ago, so.
Robert Poirier (04:13.559)
Do you see yourself in any of those players?
Robert Poirier (04:17.791)
Like, can you sit there and be like, oh, man, I was just like that kid. Like, can you, you can?
Adam Jennings (04:17.974)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (04:22.506)
Yeah. Huh. One thousand percent. So anybody who's kind of counted out like the underdogs, like I look at those dudes and I'm like, all right, let me give you an opportunity. Let me put you on the field. And that's actually what makes it so much more fun is looking at those guys and I'm like.
Robert Poirier (04:43.058)
Do you tell them that?
Adam Jennings (04:46.01)
Uh, not the full description. So, I'm just like, you're gonna get this opportunity. It's gonna happen. Here you go, pal. And, you know, so it's like the guys that are typically counted out, like, I'll put those dudes up front, or I'll say, oh hey, come stand next to me, let me swap you in at X. We'll run a slant, we'll throw it to you, and see what the fuck happens. Excuse my language. Like, I'll give you that opportunity. And...
Robert Poirier (04:48.289)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (05:12.991)
And then they dropped the fucking ball. No, I'm kidding.
Adam Jennings (05:15.298)
Probably.
Adam Jennings (05:22.478)
But guess what, guess what, they're motivated to catch that son of a bitch the next time because Coach Adam said, you're running the backside slam, you're running the backside slam and we're going to fucking throw it to you. Because we have free access, it's wide the fuck open. So get your fingers ready because the ball's coming. So, no.
Robert Poirier (05:34.435)
Ha ha ha.
Robert Poirier (05:40.839)
It's too funny. It's too funny, but you enjoy it with coaching Did you ever think you'd be doing that our
Adam Jennings (05:46.229)
I do, I do, like it's...
Adam Jennings (05:51.246)
Not professionally like like I knew that I coached my kids So like I knew 100% like I didn't you see the sacrifice it, you know coaches have to go through You know spending I mean they're up it you think about a camp day in football They're probably up at 530. I'm up at 6 as a player and then their day doesn't end until maybe midnight mine ends in like so, you know, I've always thought like
Robert Poirier (05:54.753)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (06:11.883)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (06:14.996)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (06:19.658)
You know, my family, I'm gonna sacrifice more for them. So I'll be around and then I couldn't do it professionally. But, you know, part two, four days a week.
Robert Poirier (06:28.111)
So tell me this with because you know my oldest son is playing tackle and my youngest flag and I was asking my oldest the other night I said what is it you enjoy like what is it you enjoy about playing and because he's all into it it's only a set he's in eighth grade only his second year and he said you know I love hitting people
Adam Jennings (06:51.382)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (06:55.731)
And you know, he said, I love the contact the hitting and being hit. And he said, but what's really surprised me is the whole team as for aspect of it. And he said, you know, I love the game.
Adam Jennings (07:07.17)
The whole what? I missed that. What did he say?
Robert Poirier (07:11.323)
Yeah, he said he said, you know, I love the game but what he missed what what he loves them One of the things he loves the most which is equal with Contact is Just the whole team aspect the team and the teammates Like so with you, what did you enjoy most about your football career? Like was it was it the contact? What is it was it?
Adam Jennings (07:30.262)
Yeah. Yeah.
Robert Poirier (07:40.587)
The team, is that something you miss? Is that what?
Adam Jennings (07:43.419)
Yeah, like I like being hit. I like being hurt, like all of that other stuff. Like that stuff I really did enjoy. Like, you know, the ability to get up after a big shot and kind of smile in someone's face. That was one of my favorite parts. But I think just the camaraderie, like being with my friends on the field, like that was probably the most fun for me. So it was like, like...
Robert Poirier (07:54.187)
Bounce up. Yeah.
Adam Jennings (08:10.17)
after a touchdown, I would always circle back and I'd be like, where are my guys? Where are they at? They got to here. So that was, that was by far my favorite part.
Robert Poirier (08:15.072)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (08:20.479)
And then I can't imagine like walking away as well at the end of that too. I mean, cuz you're leaving that and you know, like I'm not saying walk away permanently, but just like even at the end of the season at times. Cuz you go through camps, you go through cuts, you go through the season, the ups and downs and then we're done.
Adam Jennings (08:24.951)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (08:32.363)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (08:39.61)
Yeah, it's over. Then it's usually was January because we never made the playoffs.
Adam Jennings (08:49.095)
I think I'm pretty sure it was January, we never made the playoffs. I'd go home and I'd sleep for probably about a month or so, for four years straight. I'd just go home and sleep. So that's what it was.
Robert Poirier (08:59.727)
And then tell me this, I mean, what were, and I'm kind of going to jump a little bit, but if you were to do a snapshot of say one of the most, like the most memorial time of your playing career, what would that be? If you were to, if you were to look at a time, what would that be? Like where it really stands out? Like, Hey, you know,
Robert Poirier (09:25.771)
This is it. This is my highlight. What would that be? Is there one, two plays? I have one for you.
Adam Jennings (09:31.991)
Who? There's one play that I can remember vividly, probably one of the loudest plays I've ever been a part of, and it was Steve Gleason blocking the punt in New York. I never forgot it. That was a play where I was just like, holy shit. I'm here.
Robert Poirier (09:48.703)
That was the one I have for you. Tell me about that though.
Adam Jennings (09:52.93)
So I actually, I thought I was on the field. I looked back at the tape. I was not on the field. I was standing on the sideline. Like the whole emotion of it. So we had gotten beat by Louisiana Tech. So the whole emotion of it was already moving that direction. So La Tech beat us in Fresno, take the league, take the whack title out of our hands. And then I get drafted. I come to New Orleans, still not aware of what the hell is happening. And so the energy's high.
Robert Poirier (10:21.459)
Right. Yeah.
Adam Jennings (10:24.255)
And I'm like, they just wrapped the Reggie Bush. Yeah, that was my first year. And so we made that trip to New Orleans and I was like, what? I remember the dome, I remember everything, but still I wasn't prepared for that moment. And it was so.
Robert Poirier (10:25.899)
Wait, so that was your first year.
Robert Poirier (10:40.467)
Let me let me hold on let me pause you for a minute just for people that might not know This was after the Saints had spent a season It was after Katrina where they spent the season they spent the season Playing games if I remember correctly in San Antonio a lot of their home games were there and This was the first game back in the dome and the dome was not destroyed but had
Adam Jennings (10:51.124)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (11:07.767)
tremendous damage, significant damage. A lot of people had sought refuge there, parts of the roof had been blown off. And so the first game back in the dome was against our hated rival, the Falcons, yeah.
Adam Jennings (11:08.086)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (11:20.658)
It happened to me. Yeah. And so I mean, I walked ass backwards into that whole situation. And I mean, you talk about like one of the coolest highlights you'll ever see. I wouldn't want it to happen personally to anybody else, but I was just there. When Gleason blocked that punt, I was just like, in hindsight, the game was over. Like, it was done. And that was.
Robert Poirier (11:46.807)
Could you feel like any energy you guys had just sucked out right then?
Adam Jennings (11:54.43)
I mean we had a squad, so we had Mike, Vic, we had Rod, we had all the guys. Energy wasn't gone, but I just saw it, I was just like, we're fucked. Like we ran into a, I mean it was kind of a hurricane on our shores. Like we had some really, really good players. Warwick Dunn was there, Algie Crumpler, like the whole nine. We had every weapon you would want to have in a football game. But, you know what? We were fucked that day.
Robert Poirier (12:11.796)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (12:23.207)
Yeah, I can't imagine how loud it was.
Adam Jennings (12:24.246)
And the energy kind of shifted the other direction. So I mean, that was one of my favorite moments in football. It was pretty cool to see it. But no, they didn't suck the wind out of us, no.
Robert Poirier (12:39.039)
And was the decibel level, the loudness in the stadium, was it just unbelievable when that happened?
Adam Jennings (12:45.582)
Oh, I mean it was incredible. Like it was electric. Like it was like, I mean it was something that would, you know, if you have a pulse, you probably would, you would have been pretty fired up. And just watching it being there was, that was one of my favorite moments.
Robert Poirier (12:49.185)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (13:03.319)
So I will say this being a lifelong Saints fan, uh, that brought tears to my eyes. When it happened, I actually embarrassingly, I will admit most of that game I watched, uh, sitting on the couch with tears in my tears in my eyes. I have serious from the first game back in the dome to when that happened, the whole YouTube YouTube and green day.
Adam Jennings (13:19.362)
I'm sorry.
Adam Jennings (13:22.414)
Thank you.
Adam Jennings (13:26.355)
He was, yeah.
Robert Poirier (13:30.875)
play in the Super Bowl, I mean play in the halftime entertainment.
Adam Jennings (13:34.628)
I actually attempted to give you the program, you denied it. Like the program, the sign, you had to.
Robert Poirier (13:41.168)
I know, I know, I know. I feel bad taking it from you. And then with the victory, I mean, I literally, I mean, by no means was I as exhausted as you guys, but maybe more emotionally I was, but, and I don't think I was alone with crying. I'm sure there were several Saints fans in, but.
Adam Jennings (14:00.014)
Oh dude, like it was such a fun experience. I didn't feel good to lose, but like I thought about it, I was like, oh my God, like that block punt, Gleason doing his thing, like that was, I mean, it was fucking impressive. I looked around. Yeah.
Robert Poirier (14:16.611)
So you talked about it. You touched on some of them. Warrick Dunn, Michael Vick, Calvin Johnson, Roddy White. I mean, you've played with some greats. I mean, everybody in the league's good, right? I mean, you don't get to the league, and you're an OK player. I mean, you have to be really, really good, the best of the best. But I mean, you have played with some upper-echelon guys.
Adam Jennings (14:32.17)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (14:38.134)
Yeah, there's a...
Adam Jennings (14:43.213)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (14:48.37)
Yeah, I mean to mention those guys' names, like those guys are, you know, you even mentioned in algae, like, uh, who else on that?
Robert Poirier (14:53.835)
Who else?
Robert Poirier (15:00.639)
Yeah, have you played with it during your time?
Adam Jennings (15:06.006)
Joey Harrington's another guy that I think is pretty damn good. Got a bad rap. Like that's a good player. I played with Dante Culpepper. Like that's a fucking really solid quarterback.
Robert Poirier (15:11.316)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (15:17.055)
I didn't realize you played with him. And then you also D'Angelo Hall too, right? He was on the team then too, wasn't he? Yeah.
Adam Jennings (15:19.314)
Yeah, I played with him in Detroit. Yeah. He was, I mean, I mean, incredible cornerback guys. That guy's a, I mean, he's a solid football player. We had our disputes, but you know, it is what it is. Yeah.
Robert Poirier (15:36.707)
It's football. So like Vic, I mean, just an amazing player. He just is amazing off the field too, just super nice guy, super chill. Yeah.
Adam Jennings (15:46.007)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (15:51.662)
Yeah, I mean, the whole, we went through that dog controversy, but you talk about a guy that's just an incredible person, very nice person. You know, of course we all make mistakes, but Mike is, I mean, he treated me very, very well. And he welcomed me to the Southeast. I wasn't used to being here. And he cares about all the guys across the roster. Like, that's a really fucking good dude.
Robert Poirier (15:57.686)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (16:01.228)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (16:20.142)
Like if you ever want to go meet a person like Mike Vick, you know, I trust him with my daughters. Like that's a really, really good dude. So, to your question, like, I mean, I have no issues at all.
Robert Poirier (16:30.636)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (16:36.435)
Was it just amazing in practice as well? I mean, you know, maybe when you're not in there during a game and watching them, but I can't imagine some of the stuff he probably didn't practice where you're just like, holy shit, how did he do that?
Adam Jennings (16:45.324)
and.
Adam Jennings (16:48.038)
Yeah, I mean, it's the flick. Like, I think I caught a slant coming from the right side in during a camp practice, and it was probably the fastest ball I've ever seen come. He just flicked it. Like, it was that fucking fast. And, you know, not to mention his rushing skills. Like, it was incredible to stand next to that man on a football field. And...
Adam Jennings (17:16.394)
you know, call myself a teammate at that point in time. But it was so fucking fast. Like it was just too. Oh, yeah.
Robert Poirier (17:19.93)
I can't imagine. I can't imagine.
Robert Poirier (17:24.033)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (17:27.495)
I mean, I hated playing the Saints plus us because, you know, rooting for the Saints since birth, I feel like I'm a part of them. But, you know, I hated us playing them, but I loved watching that guy. I really did. I mean, he was just, he was amazing.
Adam Jennings (17:42.098)
Yeah. You talk about like, so he, I mean, he, he took us out and this is, this is like a vivid memory. Like he took us out on Sugarloaf TPC multiple times, never asked for a cent, never said, oh, hey Adam, yeah, it's 150 bucks for guest fees. None of that. Like he just took us out and we played golf out there. And I mean, it was a, that was probably, yeah.
Robert Poirier (18:07.883)
That's cool.
Adam Jennings (18:09.986)
good fucking dude. So, you know, regardless of what has happened in the past, that guy's been a constant, like, constant.
Robert Poirier (18:16.783)
You know, Adam, you said it too. Everybody makes mistakes, right? I mean, and look what he's done since. And I'm so happy, you know, he, he went away for a little bit. He came back, um, turned around, had success again. And now he's, you know, you see him on Sunday mornings, uh, pre games, talking, talking about games. And, um, it's just amazing. It was, and it's been amazing.
Adam Jennings (18:20.523)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (18:40.791)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (18:44.435)
Because my boys, you know, never really got to see him play. But for them to watch highlights of him, it's just, you know, you can tell them everything. But then to watch is just unbelievable.
Adam Jennings (18:50.29)
Yeah, no, I mean, I can assure you, he's one of the best, he's one of the best dudes I've ever been around. Um, a hundred percent like, and you know, if your boys do want to watch a highlight, probably would put that Vikings scramble on replay. Where you cut back maybe two or three times. Yeah. Yeah.
Robert Poirier (19:06.064)
Oh my god, yep.
Robert Poirier (19:10.931)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know exactly what you're talking about. So I have to ask you about somebody else. One of my favorite players ever, Calvin Johnson.
Robert Poirier (19:23.157)
What was it like? I mean, you were a receiver.
Adam Jennings (19:25.95)
Yeah. So.
Robert Poirier (19:27.731)
Is he just head and shoulders above most of the others? I mean, is he, I just almost think of him. I mean, he looks like a Greek God anyway, right? When he played, but you know, just his, his physical talents.
Adam Jennings (19:34.114)
So.
Adam Jennings (19:39.606)
So yeah, the thing that sets Calvin apart and what, like you get those guys that are physically gifted.
Adam Jennings (19:49.814)
He had a work ethic that didn't quit, and it's still not quitting, like in his after NFL career. Like it just, he keeps going. So that was, I mean, that was one person I attempted to keep pace with when we, when we did conditioning. But just humility and hard work is what sets Calvin apart. Like incredible, incredible football player, but.
Adam Jennings (20:15.286)
being humble, working hard. I mean, that's Calvin in a nutshell. Like, he, not only did he have, like, did he have the skillset and ability to win, like, right out of the womb, but he worked harder than everybody else and he continues to do it, you know, in his second career. And I'll tell you, it was like, I...
Adam Jennings (20:39.87)
It's hard to get that dude's attention. I'll text him, call him, whatever the fuck I need to do to get in touch with him, but he's on his path and has not stopped. So that's kind of what, in my opinion, it wouldn't be physical talent for him. He already had it. He could have rolled out of his mom's womb, beaten all of us, but the dude took it to the next level. Like...
Robert Poirier (20:51.331)
That's great.
Robert Poirier (21:06.591)
You know, I guess that's what separates. I mean, he could have been a great anyway, but then to, you know, with his work ethic.
Adam Jennings (21:11.574)
He's, I mean, what is he, 30? I think he's two years younger than me, and in the fucking, yeah, he's younger than me. He's in the fucking Hall of Fame right now. That's insane.
Robert Poirier (21:15.808)
Is he really?
Robert Poirier (21:21.791)
That's crazy. I mean, legitimately he gets, he could still be, he could still be playing right now.
Adam Jennings (21:24.514)
pretty sure.
Adam Jennings (21:27.522)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (21:31.215)
I think he was born... yeah he was 37.
Adam Jennings (21:36.466)
Yeah. And in the Hall of Fame, like, the man needs no ballots. Erase your ballots. Yeah. But no, he was like, I say this to this day, like I played with him and Rod. And those two are the best players or the best receivers I've ever played with. Like, just hands down, physicality, the whole nine. Like, Roddy's probably a little bit meaner.
Robert Poirier (21:43.359)
No, no, that's the truth. It's just like automatic. Yeah.
Adam Jennings (22:05.526)
but that guy is... Step onto a football field. I bet you there's nobody that can cover that, dude. I fucking...
Robert Poirier (22:13.663)
Yeah. So just let me ask you this too. If you're, you talked about underdog. If you're going to give advice to somebody, a kid in high school or college with aspirations of playing in the league, what would that be? If you were, if you were sitting down talking to them and you know, they're not a Roddy, they're not a Calvin who got
Robert Poirier (22:38.635)
gave extra time to, you know, extra, spend a little extra time with what would you, you know, but they are gifted. They just don't have that huge.
Adam Jennings (22:41.61)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (22:48.966)
Honestly, I would start with today. So if, like, I remember, like, I was on the backside of plays a lot of the time. So, like, the play wasn't coming my way. So I would make it a point to get into the film. So I would start, say we're running right, like 28 lead. I'd start on the left. And I'd sprint as fast as I could to get to the right. So I would sprint.
Adam Jennings (23:15.818)
as fast as I could to get myself into the film so then a coach would be like, okay, we like him. Like, he can do that. And so the extra effort helped me get a scholarship, like, whether I'm running a fake or not, I'd run that fake full speed, like, as fast as I could to make sure that a coach knows and understands that I'm on the film. And if you do that, you make that a habit, like, you're getting a scholarship, 100%.
Adam Jennings (23:45.75)
Like you're going to get notes.
Robert Poirier (23:45.815)
So basically what you're saying, basically what you're saying is you don't have to have the ball, just make sure you're always in the film and you're good. No, I'm kidding. Yeah.
Adam Jennings (23:53.03)
Yeah, get yourself on film. So like I'd work from the backside, do stuff that gets you noticed that's completely unnecessary. And most honestly, that's like, Pat Hill told me, he was like, the reason why I gave you a scholarship Adam is because you carried out your fakes so well. And he gave me a scholarship for DB and I used to like, I'd go in motion, I'd fake.
Robert Poirier (24:02.678)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (24:20.906)
and then I'd run full speed up the field. And he knew it, he knew what the fuck I was doing, but that's actually what got me noticed. So for any kid coming up in the game, do the unnecessary stuff. The stuff that most people won't do, that most people have pride toward, you know, like carrying out a fake on the backside, tracking down a block on the backside. And that's really, I think, that'll get you a scholarship all day long. Like.
Adam Jennings (24:50.674)
And then from the scholarship, it's the same way you build that path, you know, to the next level. But it's kind of doing the...
Robert Poirier (24:58.019)
But it takes a little more with pro. I mean, you can't just be on tape. I mean, you were drafted as a receiver, or what were you drafted? What position?
Adam Jennings (25:06.753)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (25:09.822)
Pretty much, I mean I was a specialist so I returned kicks and punts and I covered kicks and punts. So that was what got me drafted. So it wasn't like, you know my base was, I think I had a couple hundred yards of receiving, but it was really like returning kicks and punts and covering.
Robert Poirier (25:19.465)
Okay.
Robert Poirier (25:28.843)
But it's being versatile too, right? I mean, these kids that maybe are good receivers, they're not great. You know, another way that maybe they can find their way into the league is, hey, look, I know you haven't played special teams, but that's something you might need to look at.
Adam Jennings (25:44.715)
But that's the difference maker. Like when you look at a lot of the guys that are number one, number two receivers on their team, they don't know or don't fully understand that Roddy White and Calvin Johnson's waiting to be number one and number two, right? So you have to find a position for yourself. And so I think knowing playing teams, that's the way to go. It's actually changed a little bit.
Adam Jennings (26:11.298)
to where we're not covering kicks and punts the same way, but that's the only way you're gonna make a 52-man roster is on teams. Unless you're something special, unless you're Calvin or Roddy, you're probably not gonna make the fucking team, sorry. Unless you cover kicks and punts. That's the only way you're actually gonna be on that bus, riding on that plane, going to play against whoever it is you might play against that week. And...
Robert Poirier (26:39.519)
Yeah, that makes sense. Or look at it like a Taysom Hill. Do you ever watch Taysom Hill with the Saints? I mean, Mr. Utility is everything. He's, you know, punt return, he covers punts, you know, everything on special teams. Then he's listed, I think, as a tight end, and back up quarterback and running back, and just everything. And...
Adam Jennings (26:41.054)
Yeah. Yeah.
Adam Jennings (26:58.018)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (27:03.038)
Yeah, and look, I've got a ton of respect for him too. Like that guy is a, he's a football player. That's what he does. He plays football. And I mean, you have to respect and know and understand that. Like, you know, as a receiver, if you actually do want to make a team, you should probably learn all five positions. You should probably know every single thing you need to know, and then maybe hustle a little bit. And then you might make a 52 or sorry, 53. Is that it?
Adam Jennings (27:32.718)
Is that the number nowadays?
Robert Poirier (27:34.819)
I think it is 53.
Adam Jennings (27:38.285)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (27:38.367)
Hey, so I'm going to shift gears here, kind of rewinding way back. Talk about your childhood a little bit. Tell me about, paint me a picture about growing up, like what it was like. Give me a picture of that. You know, just kind of, kind of you and everything else growing up.
Adam Jennings (28:01.047)
So all the way back, I lived in a single, like my mom's single white woman, Sacramento, raising about five kids at the time. So I've got three siblings, older brother, younger brother, and I've got my older sister. So I mean, it was rough, dude.
Adam Jennings (28:25.622)
It was fun. She struggled with drugs the whole nine. So she went through the process, right? Like the whole cycle lost us when we were, I think I was three, going on my fourth birthday. So I was in protective custody in California. I mean, it was.
Robert Poirier (28:39.148)
juice.
Adam Jennings (28:45.71)
Probably one of the most vivid memories of my life, like being removed from my mother's care. It fucking sucked. But, I mean, we pretty much grew up around Sacramento, evicted a lot, a lot of drug abuse. My uncle got into our lives probably when I was about nine or 10. And then that's when we started football, and the whole nine, but like it was, it was kind of up and down to your question when I was really young.
Robert Poirier (29:14.007)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (29:15.762)
Yeah, but it was.
Adam Jennings (29:19.402)
I mean, it was like, dude, I look back at it. I mean, my mom always brought a great, she brought a great environment. Her love, her care for us was always there. But she got left out in the open. Think about that. Four kids on welfare? That was rough, dude. I mean, yeah. I couldn't imagine her struggle.
Robert Poirier (29:40.307)
Yeah, I can't imagine that. Yeah, I can't. And then.
Adam Jennings (29:48.938)
I respect it. Yeah.
Robert Poirier (29:48.971)
that struggling with drugs, everything else. I mean, that's I can't imagine
Adam Jennings (29:53.77)
But I mean, you know, she's actually coming here in November. She's, I mean, been clean for a long time. So, I mean, she's grandma. So, but, dude, it was one of those situations where I was like, fuck, dude, I can only imagine being in that tough of an environment.
Robert Poirier (29:57.354)
Oh good.
Robert Poirier (30:17.779)
Yeah, so you mentioned I can't I can't either and I appreciate you sharing that. Um, you mentioned your uncle, but was there a father involved or was your uncle sort of the father figure of your life growing up?
Adam Jennings (30:19.638)
That it.
Adam Jennings (30:29.682)
Yeah, so he came in when I was. I mean he was there, but he he started to be. Yeah, my uncle started to be really involved when I was probably about 910. And that's what like he took my my older brother to play football. And then we, you know, that's that's when I got involved as well, so. But no, no, my father to to your to your question. My father was not really that much involved.
Robert Poirier (30:36.139)
Your uncle. Okay.
Adam Jennings (30:59.823)
Um, that of which I, I really don't know. I don't know why, why he wasn't, but you know, going to his funeral was actually kind of an eye opener because there were a lot of people, couple of dudes that showed up and gave some great testimonies on his part. And I was just like, are you fucking serious right now? I'm like, I looked back, I just looked down and was like, what? And these dudes were, yeah, I mean, it was all, yeah.
Robert Poirier (31:20.663)
there.
Robert Poirier (31:23.555)
I lost you for a minute. Sorry, I lost you for a minute.
Adam Jennings (31:28.854)
So, now, like, one of the things that really kind of stuck out to me is I went to this man's funeral and a couple of guys, like young guys, right around my age gave testimonies on who that man was and I was just, I was like, are you fucking serious right now? Got missed out on that? It was, I mean, it was Mark. Like, no. No, not at all.
Robert Poirier (31:49.255)
Any, yeah, I was gonna ask you any resentment with that when hearing that?
Adam Jennings (32:00.478)
I mean, maybe at that moment, you know, because I couldn't shed a tear. I couldn't show emotion, but like in hindsight, like I'm like, I'm, I'm almost certain that dude knew that he made mistakes at the end of his journey. Um, and I mean, he made him, I didn't. So, right. And that's why, that's why I was, I was at peace with it. Like seeing all of our family.
Robert Poirier (32:04.63)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (32:30.274)
They were just like, who the hell are you guys? And I'm like, I'm Adam. I'm a, nice to meet you.
Robert Poirier (32:36.539)
So you mentioned your uncle. What other men were involved kind of in your upbringing and kind of just throughout your life that were involved and played a big part?
Adam Jennings (32:53.934)
Yeah, so, um, say right now there are a couple of names that come to mind. Uh, there's John Roland. He was a chief for California highway patrol. There's David McCoy who adopted me in high school. There's Ty Franklin. Like, so I have a, I mean, there's multiple different dudes that have kind of given me, you know, perspective as a man to where I'm like, like.
Adam Jennings (33:24.106)
I felt pretty good. Like I was protected well and my uncle, of course, when I was younger. But like John Rowland coached me. He was a chief for the California Highway Patrol. Ty Franklin, his brother, used to pick me up, kind of cart us around town. David McCoy adopted me in high school, took care of me, and kind of showed me the path from there. But like those guys kind of, I mean,
Adam Jennings (33:53.602)
they stand out is in my younger life, like those dudes helped me out a ton.
Robert Poirier (34:01.411)
So you've been fortunate to have those people come into your life. I mean, especially with what was surrounding you, background, everything else. I mean, your life could have gone completely different. And thankfully those people had a big effect in your life.
Adam Jennings (34:03.486)
Yeah. Yeah. Just in...
Adam Jennings (34:14.551)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (34:19.554)
Yeah, they did.
Robert Poirier (34:21.003)
I mean, hell, I mean, everything I know about you, you've turned out to be a great guy, successful professionally, NFL and as well after the league and great dad as well. So, very fortunate there.
Adam Jennings (34:39.782)
Dude, we try, don't we? We try. No. Ha ha!
Robert Poirier (34:45.536)
So, um, let's, all right. So we're going to, we're going to go to your family. We're going to skip ahead. Now after the league, you started a family. Uh, AJ was born. Your first was born shortly after you left the league. Is that correct? Okay.
Adam Jennings (35:03.294)
Yeah. Now, so he was, so I was, I was in Detroit when, when he was born. So he's, uh, his birthday is August 1st, 2009. I think. Yep. Yeah. So that's when he was born and then ACE is 2012, Aero is 2018, Coco is 2020. So.
Robert Poirier (35:09.158)
Uh... okay.
Robert Poirier (35:14.472)
Okay. Okay.
Robert Poirier (35:26.763)
Okay. So four. How is that? It's a lot. That's a lot on you. Now, and you have there's four children, AJ is living with his mom right now out of state in Florida, if you don't mind me saying so. What are the challenges of that? Because I know you you are a very involved father.
Adam Jennings (35:31.382)
a lot of people. It's a wrap. Yeah.
Adam Jennings (35:43.778)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (35:56.063)
And you've had a lot to do with AJ and not just his upbringing, but also with his sports and such. What are some of the challenges there? How do you get over those?
Adam Jennings (36:11.214)
It's actually been really, so it's probably tougher for Ace and the rest of our family, but dude like I think from Coaching his team every day than to not being involved at all That's probably the Point of pain right where I'm like shit. I wish I could be there, but I'm not so
Robert Poirier (36:31.606)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (36:39.634)
I think he's handling it well. Like, probably our biggest issue has been just settling him in transportation. So like whether he's here or there, like how comfortable he may or may not be has probably been our biggest point of pain. So it's like making sure he gets there safely. I communicate with his mother. I go through the whole process at the airport.
Adam Jennings (37:09.034)
I'm seeing it all, like I see all these little kids, you know, walking through security. I can only imagine, you know, the path they're on. But I'm like, I just want to make sure he gets here, gets there, and he's safe and okay. You know? And that's, I think that's probably been the most difficult thing to navigate for me, is making sure, okay, here you are, buddy. Like, we got to get there an hour and a half before, you know, to get through security.
Adam Jennings (37:38.466)
You gotta be up, we gotta feed you, we gotta do this. And just that transition from being here to there, and it's only once a month, it's, you know, he's coming home this weekend, but it's still like, that's been probably the most difficult point in the process, making sure he's okay, you know? Yeah.
Robert Poirier (37:59.387)
Yeah, and I would imagine too that missing some of his games and that type school events would be pretty challenging.
Adam Jennings (38:06.482)
Yeah. Well, you already know I've already got a back plan working on that right now. So, if I can, I've got two really good friends that live in Tampa, Clearwater, that are going to go to his games. I can't be there, so they'll be there. I've already set the wheels in motion. It's already going to happen.
Robert Poirier (38:14.369)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (38:33.352)
Make sure team Adam is at least supported somehow, right? We need to get a little cut out of your head and so they can like hold it up and everything.
Adam Jennings (38:37.822)
Yeah. Look, I'm going to... Yeah. Yeah. He doesn't need to see... He's going to see Therian Fountainau. He's going to see Clifton Smith. They both live in... Those are two cool dogs. So... Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
Robert Poirier (38:48.963)
Oh, there you go. There you go. Very good. Very good. So what, what other challenges being a dad, like hardest things that you find out, um, you know, challenging times that type, what are, what are, what are some of those with you like that you find? I mean, cause look, you've got kids from one, right. To 13. That's a huge range.
Adam Jennings (39:14.463)
Yeah, so yeah, like challenging is being patient with the tiny people. So, you know, having to be here, having to change diapers again. Like, so I've hit, we've hit the whole reset button, myself and Annie, to where we had to slow it back down. So life has restarted.
Adam Jennings (39:40.818)
restarted with Coco and Arrow and so knowing and understanding that has been that's a fucking huge challenge like being able to reset, step back and change a pamper like I think that's that's been one of the more challenging points for us. In addition to that so like I mean I think you spoke this to me you didn't say it directly but I think managing relationships amongst
Adam Jennings (40:10.85)
That's been like, dude, like emotionally, like you have to have some high degree of awareness and that's been a challenge for me. Like, and it's getting better. Like, you know, my wife, I mean, I think she knows and understands me well enough. My ex does not, she doesn't care to know and I don't care if she cares, but I still have to manage that.
Adam Jennings (40:40.318)
emotional relationship whether one person hates the other person or not, right? So that's been, yeah.
Robert Poirier (40:46.079)
Yeah, there can definitely that can certainly be extremely challenging.
Adam Jennings (40:50.166)
Yeah, and Annie, I mean, Annie's very, she's a highly intelligent person. Um, and so she, she's aware of it. She knows, she kind of knows and understands it, but at the same time, those emotions still arise and that's a, that's probably one of my other pain points that where I'm like, all right, can't we all just get along?
Robert Poirier (41:14.454)
Let's just focus on the kids. Do what's best for them. You know?
Adam Jennings (41:20.462)
And so that's actually probably one of the more painful points. I'm like, ah, can we just chill out for a second? Let's all get, you know?
Robert Poirier (41:21.523)
in the perfect world.
Robert Poirier (41:29.175)
Yeah. So I want to ask you a question. I hope you're okay with it. Um, race, how do you and do you talk to your kids about race? And if you don't mind kind of giving me insight with that.
Robert Poirier (41:49.439)
But and before before before you book, I'll say this like with my ex and I, when it when it comes and now I get to see a wonderful shot of your growing area there. And your belly, but we can edit that. But back on the subject of race, you talking to your children about race.
Adam Jennings (41:49.651)
I
Adam Jennings (42:07.702)
You can edit this, Frank.
Robert Poirier (42:19.239)
You know, I'd love to hear more about that, but then, you know, I think about with my ex and I, with the kids early on, we never, whether this is right or wrong. Well, I think a lot of it's right, but we really tried to keep race out of anything. And so if we're in the boy, in the boys class and, you know, say there's, um, they're in line and there is a Asian kid or African American kid or
Robert Poirier (42:49.019)
Child from India that has a purple shirt on we would never say hey that Indian kid or that Asian kid That was in front of you with the purple shirt, you know, what's his name? It would always be You know, hey that kid with the purple shirt on what was his name? We really tried to make sure that we never identified race to them And honestly that worked out beautifully
Adam Jennings (43:05.441)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (43:12.289)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (43:16.795)
I never heard the boys mention race until probably.
Robert Poirier (43:24.811)
fourth grade and I think that was when it really started coming in the schools more not that they were taught that but I think they kind of heard that through different things and then it was like oh okay but we never did you know and it's amazing when you don't announce it how they don't see it but so tell me and I could be wrong that could be just you know one instance of it
Adam Jennings (43:40.415)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (43:52.907)
But tell me with your kids with race, what talks have you had? How do you handle that? Do you what?
Adam Jennings (44:01.347)
That's a great question. So with AJ, AJ's, he's a little bit different than Ace. So Ace is an Asian American.
Adam Jennings (44:12.446)
And so that's, I mean, we don't walk in and identify as that. We don't discuss it, but like I'm aware of it. Like I know how he may or may not be treated based on his race and how he looks. But like, to your point, we don't discuss it. Like it's not, it's not something that we bring into a conversation. AJ is the same way. Like AJ looks, I mean, he's mixed with black, but the kid looks white. I mean, he looks like he probably.
Adam Jennings (44:42.32)
be your son, but he's not aware of it. He doesn't know, like we don't even think about it or discuss it. And I think it's important at this age not to go down that path. Like are we aware of it? Probably. You know, it's the same thing for my daughters. We don't, we don't, I wouldn't say we're color blind, but we're oblivious to what most people are talking about.
Adam Jennings (45:11.554)
So if you talk about race, no. We're not talking about that. And it's not a point like if at some point in time they bring it up, I think we can cross that path. But for them, they're not aware of it. It doesn't come up at all in conversation. And I think AJ actually.
Adam Jennings (45:33.666)
probably say maybe two years ago he just learned that he was somewhat black he had black in his butt he didn't know but it was something that came up you know he brought it up i think Andy mentioned it, he was like do you know your mix with black? now he does but now for yeah he was like no shit
Robert Poirier (45:58.771)
He's like, no shit.
Robert Poirier (46:03.171)
What else?
Adam Jennings (46:04.214)
Look, put that on a college application you're getting in, pal. In California, you put Asian, you're not getting in. But put black on your application, you're getting into the fucking school. So.
Robert Poirier (46:07.543)
Hahaha
Robert Poirier (46:14.135)
Hahaha
Robert Poirier (46:19.456)
Too funny.
Robert Poirier (46:24.1)
You know, out of it one day, maybe one day we're not a race. Maybe we're just everybody and that's it. And, you know, I know that's a lot. We've talked about this and that's a long way for that to happen. But, you know, I still I remember thinking about it with the boys and, you know, and they would never really remember the shirt.
Adam Jennings (46:38.667)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (46:52.063)
the color shirt, you know, I had to be like, you know, wearing a Nike shirt or the kid wearing the underarm or they'd be like, Oh, you mean that guy with the yellow hair or, you know, or the red hair? It was more of that, but it was never, um, uh, so yeah, so I guess kind of the same lines there with, you know, not discussing it, but you know, since I will say this, since, uh, uh, George Floyd, everything else, I mean, I've really tried to
Adam Jennings (47:09.823)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (47:20.443)
And just through my friendships with different ones, really introduce them as well and let them know that the struggles and not, you know, not hold anything back.
Adam Jennings (47:24.979)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (47:28.252)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (47:31.518)
Yeah, and I will say, I think I said this to you in conversation, like some of the most oppressed people, or some of the kindest people you'll ever meet, so the Asian man, the black man, like some of the most oppressed people over time are some of, I mean, those are people you don't hold back, show kindness, have conversations, like, like that's, that's kind of where, I mean, luckily I'm...
Adam Jennings (48:01.118)
That's where my family lies, Asian and black, and white as well. So I kind of taste the gauntlet of all cultures. And that's one place to your point where you probably want to ask those questions. Where you feel comfortable, you can extend a hand and get those questions answered. So.
Robert Poirier (48:23.115)
All right, so I'm going to ask you a couple of questions. Most proud moment of being a dad.
Robert Poirier (48:34.107)
I'll tell you mine. Um, I, as early on, um, you know, it was, Hey, stand up for your brother. And I mean, there's been a lot of times I've been proud, um, of the kids, but the, you know, there was an instance where one of them literally stood up for the other one when there was a bully picking on them and it was like, ah, you've listened, I've only beat this into your head for the last six years and you did listen.
Adam Jennings (48:34.16)
Uh...
Adam Jennings (48:46.701)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (49:02.639)
Um, you know, they had no idea I was watching, but, uh,
Adam Jennings (49:05.07)
Hold on, what was it? Did he jump kick a kid in the back? What happened?
Robert Poirier (49:11.43)
Wait, what?
Robert Poirier (49:15.623)
No, he actually didn't, but his little brother was getting bullied by a kid. And, and so my oldest one, um, told the bully to stop and the bully just totally ignored him and flipped around. Like, I'm not listening to you. And so my oldest one, Max grabbed him by the shoulder and slung him around and got right back and got right up in his face and told him, he said, look, I'm talking to you.
Adam Jennings (49:18.05)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (49:43.819)
Don't you ever do that to him again. Do you understand me? And the, I won't say his name, but the bully was like, okay, I'm sorry. And then Max, my oldest, he then noticed me peering around a corner and he looked, and his face was like, oh shit, I'm about to get in trouble. And so I'm like, hey, come here. And he's got his head all down. He's, you know.
Adam Jennings (49:48.683)
I don't know.
Adam Jennings (49:54.08)
Okay.
Adam Jennings (50:09.518)
So, so the money moment, I can't go to my favorite moment. I've got to chime in on yours. So I had the same situation. Ace was getting bullied on our trampoline by a kid across the street. And so I like, I told AJ, I was like, if he does that again, your instructions are to punch him square in the face. Like punch him in the face as soon as he does it. And sure enough, AJ, so one of my proud moments.
Robert Poirier (50:15.392)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (50:39.954)
maybe maybe about a month later punches kid right right in the shnash like sent him home crying like i didn't see it but he came upstairs and told me probably was like oh dad you know evan post him in the face i was like really he's like he was picking on ace i was like no good work
Robert Poirier (50:50.211)
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Robert Poirier (51:03.223)
Good job.
Robert Poirier (51:07.731)
You know, there's been a lot though. They're actually, you know, both, both of them, you know, you're talking about that though, like with screw ups. One of the questions I was gonna ask you is like, when have you screwed up as a dad? This was kind of funny. So I was coaching soccer and again, it's with my oldest. And I guess the screw ups definitely are gonna be more so with your oldest because, you know, I'm still figuring out being a dad. And my oldest had a pretty good leg at soccer.
Adam Jennings (51:17.628)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (51:36.423)
And so they were starting off and when they're young, it's not, you know, they don't pass the ball behind the center line or pass the ball to start. It's just, Hey, you have the ball. Y'all kick the ball. Everybody runs to the ball in a mass and, uh, you know, and, and then eventually somebody that mass moves to a goal and somebody scores. So he was the one to start the game.
Adam Jennings (52:02.338)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (52:06.487)
he was the one to kick and the other team is lined up probably 5, 10 yards from where the ball is. And so I told Max, I'm like, hey, just kick it right at the goal. Kick it straight at the goal. You'll probably score. You've got a strong enough leg. It's not that far. Just kick it right at the goal. So he's like, really dad? I'm like, yeah. And I was his coach. I'm like, yeah, just kick it right at the goal.
Robert Poirier (52:37.035)
So the ref tells him to start, he kicks, and the kid that's lined up right across from him, bow, right in the forehead. The kid goes down, he's crying. There's all this going on. You know, they had to stop the game. The kid gets pulled out. I'm like, oh gosh. My son was feeling bad. So then not only did I not learn from that, I repeated the process.
Robert Poirier (53:06.695)
So the next time we're kicking off, uh, the same thing, he's like, what should I do? I'm like, you know, I'm thinking there's no way in this world. Is he going to kick the ball and hit that kid again? Like that's just not going to happen. You know, I'm like, just get a little bit more under the ball and you'll clear them this time turns around different kid. Boom. Right in the nose. Explodes.
Robert Poirier (53:34.595)
I'm like, all right. I learned a little bit that day. And I'm like, yeah, that's a big screw up.
Adam Jennings (53:42.08)
That's incredible. That's honestly, that's where we end this whole thing. That's fucking incredible. Two boys. Yeah. Me, it's probably with, so I'm learning. I coach football way better than I coach baseball because I understand the game. So baseball, with AJ, especially with my first.
Robert Poirier (53:47.819)
So tell me about you was screwing up tell me
Adam Jennings (54:05.858)
Like I used to, like I'll be in the backyard just screaming at this guy. Just like, keep your glove right here, do this. Like so old commando style. Like I'm right there in this place, like focus on the green dot. And look, I'll tell you right here. Here's the green dot. So keep your eye behind the glove. You see it?
Robert Poirier (54:16.791)
Right.
Robert Poirier (54:30.728)
Right. Yeah.
Adam Jennings (54:33.806)
Eyes up so like I mean that was where I like I was I was insane. I was just like Keep your goddamn hand behind the ball and the whole the whole gama. So that that's probably where I messed up with AJ Like I was way too intense And yeah, I'd say yeah, that's that was probably my issue. That's where I made a mistake But yeah, I was able to recover. You know, he's still a decent dude, you know But yeah
Robert Poirier (55:01.068)
Yeah, yeah.
Adam Jennings (55:03.402)
this green dot this is ace's glove by the way the green dot damn so I did yeah both of their eyes got blacked by the way because I was throwing the ball directly at him and anytime anytime the glove moved it would deflect hit him in the face and I was just like you know what play the next play pal
Robert Poirier (55:08.387)
It's funny. It's amazing what we can do and.
Robert Poirier (55:26.339)
Hahaha
Adam Jennings (55:29.791)
Probably shouldn't have done that, but...
Robert Poirier (55:31.588)
Probably not. Probably not. Hey, so tell me this. When will, and I don't think we've touched on this, or what will it take for you to realize one day, whether it's now, whether it's 30, 40 years from now, like, you know what? I did a good job as a dad. Like I did a pretty good job. I mean, I wasn't perfect. Like is there anything that you can really put your finger on or?
Robert Poirier (56:00.023)
Do you think just maybe that time will come?
Adam Jennings (56:04.684)
I think it will come, I realize it now, I'm putting in the effort, I'm very active in their lives, but for a dad, you always think about it, or this is the way I actually think about it and understand it, Mother's Day is always celebrated tremendously, everybody knows and understands Mother's Day. Father's Day comes and goes, nobody really cares about it. They do.
Adam Jennings (56:31.01)
probably young ladies and people that remember their fathers, but I think it's ever constant battle for me. And I don't think I'm ever gonna be, okay, I'm a good dad, no matter what. Just to the story I just mentioned to you, some point in time, AJ's gonna remember getting screamed at in the backyard. He won't remember any of the rest of the shit, but you know, it's, you know, you're, you're, you're.
Adam Jennings (57:00.482)
I feel like I'm always going to be correcting. So yeah, I mean, I'm comfortable with it. But like, I think, yeah, it's an ever constant battle. And I realize, yeah, I'm a good dad. But I guess we'll see tomorrow. Right? Like, tomorrow's going to come. And whether I'm a good dad that day or not, somebody may or may not remember it. No. That's kind of my wiping the slate clean.
Robert Poirier (57:06.303)
It's trial and error.
Adam Jennings (57:30.318)
approach to it like it's never good enough. Like it's never gonna get there. So.
Robert Poirier (57:38.439)
You know what though? I think that's part of, I think even having those concerns and those thoughts are continuing to push you to be a good dad, where I don't think you will ever be fulfilled with yourself, you know, or give you the credit, but I do know this that you give your children a lot of quality time. And I think that, you know, and I know when AJ is with you, that
Adam Jennings (57:51.362)
I agree.
Adam Jennings (57:55.265)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (58:07.647)
That's filled with quality time. There's not a lot of other stuff, you going off playing golf or doing other things. It is you and AJ, you and H, you all are doing things together. And I think that is what the kids need.
Adam Jennings (58:10.974)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (58:20.158)
Yeah, I mean, it's very similar to your fishing trips with your boys. Like, it's the same exact thing. Like I'm like, all right, let me slow down. Let me just be here for a moment. And that's, I think those are the moments that count. And those are the things that I'll remember. And we'll probably last, you know, throughout there and hopefully they become great fathers as well. So that's, that's what I'm hopeful for. So.
Robert Poirier (58:49.943)
So what about life lessons? Are you a big life lessons guy? I am. And with the kids, we can, oh my gosh, we can watch anything. I mean, we watch a lot of football movies, whether it's Remember the Titans, We Are Marshall, Rudy, Blindside, you know, I'm always stopping the show. Even so much that.
Adam Jennings (59:16.844)
Yeah.
Robert Poirier (59:19.251)
My youngest would go, another life lesson from dad. Are you? Are you? Oh, and I'm like, look, I know you don't enjoy it, but these things are important, you know? And so like a two hour movie takes us literally about two and a half hours because I can be a little long winded and not only do I stop it and tell them about, you know, provide them with more insight, but of course I have to go in and put a,
Robert Poirier (59:48.955)
one of my life stories in there to hopefully really submit it into their head. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Oh gosh. Here's dad again with one of his stupid stories. Are you, are you big with life lessons and that type of there's certain things you want to, you know, really instill in your kids?
Adam Jennings (59:51.39)
Yeah. It's like, oh, here goes dad again. He's talking about himself.
Adam Jennings (01:00:08.362)
Yeah, so there's, I mean, there's one dude that comes to mind when, when like, I've actually studied this recently. Like I went back, started training again. So I trained Wing Chun Kung Fu and I've trained it for, since 2009. And so I've studied under Sifu Francis Fong and one of, like one of the foundational people in that system is Ip Man.
Adam Jennings (01:00:36.194)
So if you've ever watched the movie Ip Man.
Adam Jennings (01:00:42.13)
I think it translates. It's in Chinese, but it translates. Take a few minutes to watch it when you have the opportunity. I love the movie and there's many different reasons why I love it. It comes from a place of humility. I'm an unsuspecting guy.
Robert Poirier (01:00:42.167)
I can't say that I have.
Robert Poirier (01:00:45.899)
Definitely can't say that I have.
Adam Jennings (01:01:09.674)
like life lessons that's that's a dude that I've been studying study him you know I just went back and you know had a conversation with Guru Dan and Osanto they're different dudes in the martial arts world that I've been blessed to to come into contact with and Ip Man very I mean that's a good movie if you watch number two is not as good as number one but the first one is like that's where like
Adam Jennings (01:01:39.502)
I'm kind of drawing some of my life lessons from this. The guy kind of goes up and down, up and down, and still maintains, sorry, what the hell just happened? Hold on one second, I gotta turn off this. Alexa! Alexa! Alexa!
Adam Jennings (01:02:07.846)
So, that's, I mean, to close it out, like, that's, there's a couple of scenes in that movie where I'm like, this is kind of who I want to be, or this is how I feel about it, like life lesson wise. And it's captured, like, pretty, pretty simply, like, and a couple of his battles. So, you know, I would definitely, I would take time to watch that. So.
Robert Poirier (01:02:34.531)
And so there are subtitles.
Adam Jennings (01:02:37.31)
Yeah, there are. So I mean, you'll probably
Robert Poirier (01:02:38.751)
So I have to watch it and work. Like I actually have to read, have to do something while I'm watching, I can't just.
Adam Jennings (01:02:44.85)
Yeah, you probably need to put on your big glasses. Yeah, the ones you're wearing right now. Probably have to wear those.
Robert Poirier (01:02:47.487)
Yeah, probably so. Oh, I will probably that's that's age. That's age. Adam, I've enjoyed this a lot. What have I missed?
Adam Jennings (01:02:58.358)
Nothing, man. I feel like we can close out. I am gonna be in the office tomorrow, so.
Robert Poirier (01:03:02.611)
No, look, it's a lot of fun. I always enjoy talking with you. And we always bust each other's balls. And you're a fun guy, great guy. I've always had a lot of respect for you. And we've always seemed to get along. And I appreciate you letting me interview you here, just so we can kind of learn a little bit more about you.
Adam Jennings (01:03:24.39)
I don't know, I can't wait for your interview, by the way. It's coming up next. I can't fucking...
Robert Poirier (01:03:31.427)
Oh yeah, I'm really looking forward to that. So, all right. Well, we'll wrap it up here there. All right, Adam, thank you again. And look, hey, thanks everybody for listening to dad's dad's podcast. And remember you can find us on Spotify or Apple podcast, as well as on Instagram and YouTube. And don't forget to hit that subscribe button. So you don't miss any future episodes and thanks so much for listening in.
Adam Jennings (01:03:38.018)
Yeah.
Adam Jennings (01:03:59.262)
Awesome. Hey, I'm going to keep this on 30 seconds. Okay.