Eastern Michigan Athletics
Adam Named to Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List
9/30/2025 1:52:00 PM | Football
Adam is one of 67 student-athletes nationwide recognized
DALLAS, Texas (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University senior defensive lineman and team captain Jefferson Adam (Ypsilanti, Mich./Washtenaw International/Hocking College/Iowa State) has been named to the watch list for the ninth annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year, the organization announced today. Adam is one of 67 student-athletes nationwide recognized for their leadership, integrity, and sportsmanship on and off the field.
The award, presented annually by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on leadership. It is named after former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, one of the most respected role models in the sport. In addition to a decorated 16-year NFL career, Witten earned the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012 and has been recognized for his community work throughout his career.
"It is an incredible honor to announce this group of young men as the watch list for the Collegiate Man of the Year," said Witten. "These student-athletes have all demonstrated exceptional leadership, often in the face of adversity, and are perfect examples of what the sport of college football is all about."
Twenty semifinalists will be announced on Tuesday, Oct. 14, followed by three finalists on Monday, Dec. 15. The winner will be recognized on April 16, 2026, at The Star in Frisco, Texas, with a $10,000 contribution made in his name to his school's athletic scholarship fund.
Adam has built a reputation at Eastern Michigan as both a force on the field and a leader in the community. In the 2024 season, he appeared in all 12 games for the Eagles, recording 25 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks, including a two-sack performance against Saint Francis. His relentless effort and growth made him a key part of EMU's defensive line. Although sidelined with a season-long injury in 2025, Adam's leadership and presence continue to impact his teammates and the program.
Off the field, Adam has distinguished himself through consistent community engagement. Since joining the program, he has logged more than 30.75 hours of service. His work has included volunteering with the Bright Futures Program and the Perry Early Learning Center, where he supports initiatives promoting early literacy. He has also participated in EMU's Annual Victory Day to connect with community members who are cognitively and physically impaired, and assisted with Shop with a Cop during the holiday season. He also organized a children's book drive during EMU's 2024 Spring Game, which resulted in more than 500 books being collected and donated to Ypsilanti schools and Bright Futures libraries.
A first-generation American and the oldest of three boys, Adam takes pride in setting an example for his younger brothers, emphasizing discipline, academic focus, and long-term goals. His journey from an overlooked high school prospect to a junior college standout, and then to a Division I starter, embodies perseverance and leadership.
Adam is one of three Mid-American Conference student-athletes included on the 2025 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List, joining Kent State's Mattheus "Stretch" Carroll and Toledo's Matt Hofer.
About the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year.
Established in 2017, the award recognizes a Division I FBS player who demonstrates exceptional courage, integrity, and sportsmanship. Past winners include Shaquem Griffin (UCF, 2017), Sam Ehlinger (Texas, 2020), Joshua Paschal (Kentucky, 2021), and J.J. Weaver (Kentucky, 2024).
The award, presented annually by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on leadership. It is named after former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, one of the most respected role models in the sport. In addition to a decorated 16-year NFL career, Witten earned the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012 and has been recognized for his community work throughout his career.
"It is an incredible honor to announce this group of young men as the watch list for the Collegiate Man of the Year," said Witten. "These student-athletes have all demonstrated exceptional leadership, often in the face of adversity, and are perfect examples of what the sport of college football is all about."
Twenty semifinalists will be announced on Tuesday, Oct. 14, followed by three finalists on Monday, Dec. 15. The winner will be recognized on April 16, 2026, at The Star in Frisco, Texas, with a $10,000 contribution made in his name to his school's athletic scholarship fund.
Adam has built a reputation at Eastern Michigan as both a force on the field and a leader in the community. In the 2024 season, he appeared in all 12 games for the Eagles, recording 25 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks, including a two-sack performance against Saint Francis. His relentless effort and growth made him a key part of EMU's defensive line. Although sidelined with a season-long injury in 2025, Adam's leadership and presence continue to impact his teammates and the program.
Off the field, Adam has distinguished himself through consistent community engagement. Since joining the program, he has logged more than 30.75 hours of service. His work has included volunteering with the Bright Futures Program and the Perry Early Learning Center, where he supports initiatives promoting early literacy. He has also participated in EMU's Annual Victory Day to connect with community members who are cognitively and physically impaired, and assisted with Shop with a Cop during the holiday season. He also organized a children's book drive during EMU's 2024 Spring Game, which resulted in more than 500 books being collected and donated to Ypsilanti schools and Bright Futures libraries.
A first-generation American and the oldest of three boys, Adam takes pride in setting an example for his younger brothers, emphasizing discipline, academic focus, and long-term goals. His journey from an overlooked high school prospect to a junior college standout, and then to a Division I starter, embodies perseverance and leadership.
Adam is one of three Mid-American Conference student-athletes included on the 2025 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List, joining Kent State's Mattheus "Stretch" Carroll and Toledo's Matt Hofer.
About the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year.
Established in 2017, the award recognizes a Division I FBS player who demonstrates exceptional courage, integrity, and sportsmanship. Past winners include Shaquem Griffin (UCF, 2017), Sam Ehlinger (Texas, 2020), Joshua Paschal (Kentucky, 2021), and J.J. Weaver (Kentucky, 2024).
Players Mentioned
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