ALLEN PARK — Detroit Lions defensive end Myles Adams will swap his helmet for handshakes on Tuesday, hosting a community meet-and-greet at Fresh Rootz Juice in Rochester Hills.
The event, set for Sept. 23 from 5-6:30 p.m., highlights the veteran lineman’s push to connect with local businesses and plant roots in Detroit beyond the football field.
Since arriving in Detroit last year, Adams has looked for ways to support local initiatives. He was introduced to Fresh Rootz by associates who helped him settle in the area, and he quickly became a fan of their juices.
“I had come in and tried to work with some brands and really some concepts that I enjoyed,” Adams told MLive. “This one specifically is a vegan café, and I particularly use them for their juices. So, I like, for example, beet juice, mixtures, refreshing juices. You get your kale, your green juices, and I think it’s a good way for me to supplement what I’m doing with my training already.
“So, I met with the owners and I got to understand that Detroit is a local and close-knit family when it comes to business. So, I’m going up to the Rochester Hills location, going to meet some people, Detroit fans, shake hands, and just see what the vibe of the city’s like.”
Adams, who is listed at 6-foot-2 and 300 pounds, is not vegan himself but appreciates the way Fresh Rootz uses vegan ingredients.
“I’m a defensive lineman,” Adams joked. “I’m not a vegan, but my girl, she’s on more of a vegetarian type tip, so I’d say I’m inspired by people that try to eat cleaner. But it’s more so a non-dairy tip. But the fact that they don’t use any extra added sugars.”
While Adams will be in Rochester Hills on Tuesday, he says his larger goal is to expand his community and philanthropic efforts throughout Detroit.
He views it as both an obligation and a privilege to serve in the cities where he plays.
“I spent time in Seattle where I was able to work with a couple of nonprofits there, and now, since I’m in Detroit, I want to get with the initiatives,” he shared. “And I know that Detroit is a heavily populated Black city, so that means a lot to me as well. So, I want to learn what kind of minority businesses can I be a part of, can I contribute toward, can I spend my money at, and just to help enhance the overall feel of the city.”
Adams is correct about Detroit being a heavily populated Black city.
According to a recent report from Bridge Detroit, Mayor Mike Duggan said the city’s population remains about 78% Black.
While Adams plans to support communities across metro Detroit, he said working with Black-owned businesses is a personal priority.
“Man, it’s the utmost importance if you ask me,” Adams said. “I think that that’s exactly where our money should go first and foremost. Not to be biased or anything like that, but why not shop with people that look like you?”