FILE — Ernie Adams, football research director for the New England Patriots, watches during NFL football practice, in Foxborough, Mass., in this Thursday, May 23, 2019 file photo. Adams, a former high school classmate of coach Bill Belichick, participated in his final practice with the team Wednesday, June 16, 2021. Adams retired from his job at the Patriots, Wednesday, June 16, after 21 years with the team. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — For most of his past two decades with the New England Patriots, assistant coach Ernie Adams’ responsibilities have been shrouded in secrecy.