Chicago Bears defensive end and former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Gaines Adams passed away on Sunday morning according to reports from various media outlets. Adams was taken to the hospital Sunday morning and declared dead at 9:00 AM. Adams was 26.

Adams was in his hometown of Greenwood, South Carolina. The cause of death is said to be a heart attack. The Greenwood County Coroner's Office and Greenwood Sheriff's Office will be performing an investigation. An autopsy will be performed on Sunday.

Adams was the fourth overall pick of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During his third NFL season, Adams was traded to the Chicago Bears for a second-round pick in the 2010 draft. The staff at PewterReport.com enjoyed covering Gaines during his tenure in Tampa Bay and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and current and former teammates at this tragic time.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released the following comments on Adams sudden death.

Buccaneers Co-Chairman Joel Glazer
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Gaines Adams during this sad day. It is a tragedy to lose someone at such a young age and our entire organization is deeply saddened by this news."

Buccaneers General Manager Mark Dominik
"Gaines was a part of the Buccaneer family and this is a tragic loss. Everyone who met Gaines came away knowing what a great young man that he was."

Buccaneers Head Coach Raheem Morris
"Gaines will be missed by all of us, especially by his teammates in our locker room. He was a true team player and a positive influence to everyone he met. My prayers go out to his family."

Buccaneers Cornerback Ronde Barber
“"Gaines was a quiet, humble kid and is far too young to be gone. He had so much potential that had yet to be achieved and I am very sad that the full extent of his life won’t be realized."”

Buccaneers Defensive Tackle Chris Hovan
"“Today is a very tragic day for Gaines’ family, friends and teammates. I still don’t want to believe that it is true. I am deeply saddened that we have lost someone who I considered a friend for life. When he came to Tampa I took Gaines under my wing; I considered him my little brother and that’s how I will always remember him. This is all so unreal and it hasn’t really hit me yet.”"

Buccaneers Defensive End Jimmy Wilkerson
"“I will always remember Gaines as someone who was fun to be around. He was definitely a people person, a very friendly guy. He was taken far too soon from us and he will surely be missed. I know that God has a plan for everyone and all that we can do is extend our thoughts and prayers to the Adams family during this difficult time.” "