CLEMSON - Gaines Adams, one of three players in Clemson history to be named a unanimous All-American, died Sunday morning in his hometown of Greenwood.
Greenwood County Coroner Jim Coursey said Adams, 26, was dead upon arrival at the Self Regional Memorial Hospital emergency room.
An autopsy performed Sunday indicated Adams died of cardiac arrest caused by an enlarged heart. Drug use isn't suspected to be a factor in Adams' death, according to reports, though toxicology tests are being run. Results will not be ready for months.
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According to an NFL.com report, Adams' girlfriend called for an ambulance Sunday morning because Adams was suffering from what Coursey called "health issues." Adams' family was unaware of his enlarged heart condition.
Adams, a defensive end, was chosen by Tampa Bay in the 2007 NFL draft. He was the fourth overall pick of the draft.
He was traded from Tampa Bay to Chicago this season.
Former Clemson coach Tommy Bowden said he was "shocked and saddened" when hearing the news Sunday.
"When I heard the news, I thought it was his father because he has the same name," Bowden said. "I just couldn't believe it was Gaines.
"I will always remember the smile he had on his face, and I will always remember his patience. He showed that patience when he came back for his senior year and could have gone pro after the 2005 season. This is a great loss, and our prayers to out to his family."
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney was the Tigers' receivers coach during Adams' career.
"He was a great example of how you could progress through hard work," Swinney said. "He played eight-man football in high school, then became a top five pick. How many people have done that? I was an offensive assistant coach during his career, and we all took notice of his considerable skills.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
Prior to Clemson, Adams played eight-man football at Cambridge Academy and then played a year at Fork Union Military Academy before arriving at Clemson.
Adams earned All-American honors as a senior at Clemson in 2006, recording 12.5 sacks. He finished with 28 career sacks, tying the Clemson record held by Michael Dean Perry.
He was named the 2006 ACC Defensive Player of the Year and was a unanimous first-team All-American. He was second in the ACC Player of the Year voting behind Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson.
Adams' signature play as a Tiger came against Wake Forest in 2006, when he returned a fumble 66 yards for a touchdown.
No funeral arrangements have been announced.
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