University of Georgia Athletics
Meadows Opts For NFL Comeback In Denver
July 31, 2006 | Football
ATHENS --- There may be another former Georgia Bulldog to watch for on the Denver Broncos squad this season joining All-Pro cornerback Champ Bailey and offensive tackle George Foster.
Former National Football League standout and Georgia offensive tackle Adam Meadows signed a free agent deal with the Broncos this past Saturday. He is scheduled to fly to Colorado Monday and join the team for practice on Tuesday.
Meadows, who played for the University of Georgia from 1993-96, enjoyed a seven-year career in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts. After getting drafted in the second round by the Colts in 1997, he went on to play in 104 games including 96 starts. In 2004, Meadows signed a five-year contract worth $15 million with the then-defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers who projected him to start at right tackle. However during training camp, Meadows opted to retire due to shoulder problems. He didn’t receive any of the $15 million, and he decided to return his $2.5 million signing bonus to the Panthers. Because he never played in a regular-season game with the Panthers, his contract was voided.
When Meadows applied for reinstatement to the NFL last week, his rights still belonged to the Panthers. Carolina released Meadows last Tuesday, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent. Several NFL teams including Denver, Atlanta, New Orleans, Green Bay, Washington, Dallas and Miami showed interested in the former Bulldog. Meadows reportedly received a $400,000 signing bonus from the Broncos and an $850,000 salary for the 2006 season.
Meadows, a 6-5, 294-pound native of Powder Springs, Ga., joins an experienced Denver unit. The Broncos return their entire starting offensive line from 2005 including Foster who was Denver’s first round pick in 2003.
