2014

One of the first things Adams did when the Packers chose him with the 53rd overall pick was call Rodgers to break the ice. He got the two-time MVP's number from his new position coach but had to leave a message, because Rodgers doesn't answer calls from unknown numbers. That wouldn't be an issue again.

A while later, Rodgers called back. With Adams' phone plugged in to play music for everyone gathered at the household draft party, he had to interrupt the festivities to grab the call.

"Everybody shut up!" Adams said. "Quiet!"

The two don't really remember what was said, but they do remember the tone. Adams' emotions were mixed with tension, having waited longer than he planned to get drafted. Rodgers could sense the excitement and the edge in his voice, and he liked both.

"The thing you love as a quarterback is he's known he belongs since Day 1," Rodgers said. "Any great receiver we've had here, they've made that impression, whether on the phone or in the first practice. You can just tell this guy knows what he's doing. This guy is confident. This guy can play."

It didn't translate to taking the league by storm, not with Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb ahead of him, as Adams caught more than two passes only three times in his first 11 games (though his first career touchdown was, coincidentally, Rodgers' 200th). Then he broke out in a big home victory over New England with six catches for 121 yards.

Rodgers told reporters after the game he wasn't surprised by the rookie's performance on a big stage. Adams hadn't heard that, but by then their communication was changing.