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Adam Archuleta
Adam Archuleta
Adam Archuleta
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Adam Jason Archuleta (born November 27, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a safety for seven seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils, and was selected in the first round of the 2001 NFL draft by the St. Louis Rams with the 20th overall pick.

Key Information

After five seasons with the Rams, Archuleta played a season each for the Washington Redskins and Chicago Bears, and was in camp with the Oakland Raiders in 2008.

Early life

[edit]

Born in Rock Springs, Wyoming, Archuleta attended Chandler High School in Chandler, Arizona, a suburb southeast of Phoenix. He was a letterman in football in which he was a two-time first-team All-Central Region honoree and a two-time All-State Honorable Mention honoree. Jerry Loper was his high school head football coach.

College career

[edit]

Archuleta played college football at nearby Arizona State University, where he started three years as a linebacker. Initially without a scholarship, he redshirted as a true freshman in 1996 after making the team as a walk-on.

Archuleta played in every game during his redshirt freshman season in 1997 as a reserve inside linebacker, recording 17 tackles (11 solos) while appearing mostly on special teams.

He moved into the starting lineup as a sophomore at weakside linebacker, playing in every game in 1998 and finished with 75 tackles (39 solos), five sacks and 18 stops for losses. As a junior in 1999, he was named to the All-Pac-10 Conference First Team as well as team most valuable player. He started the final eleven games at weakside outside linebacker and led the team with 111 tackles (59 solos) with five sacks and 21 stops for losses.

As a senior in 2000, he was named the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year and was a First-team All-Pac-10 Conference selection as a linebacker. He also was one of three finalists for the Butkus Award, given annually to the top linebacker in college football. As a senior, he started at weakside outside linebacker and led ASU with a career-high 127 tackles (93 solos) with four sacks and 15 stops for losses. He was a First-team All-America selection by The Sports Xchange and earned Second-team All-American from the Walter Camp Foundation.

During his four-year career Archuleta ranks fourth in school history with 54 stops behind the line of scrimmage while recording 330 tackles (202 solos) with 14 quarterback sacks, six fumble recoveries and five forced fumbles.

Professional career

[edit]

Pre-draft

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash Bench press
5 ft 11+7⁄8 in
(1.83 m)		 211 lb
(96 kg)		 30+1⁄2 in
(0.77 m)		 7+3⁄4 in
(0.20 m)		 4.46 s 31 reps
All values from NFL Combine[1][2]

St. Louis Rams

[edit]

The St. Louis Rams drafted Archuleta in the first round with the 20th overall selection in the 2001 NFL draft.[3] He spent his first five years in St. Louis, where he excelled in Lovie Smith's Cover 2 base defense. He signed a five-year $7 million contract with the Rams, with a signing bonus of $3 million.

In 2001 Archuleta was named to All-rookie teams by The Football News and Pro Football Weekly after playing in 13 games and starting 12 at strong safety. He finished sixth on the Rams with 81 tackles (43 solo) and tied for second with seven tackles for loss while notching two sacks, five passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.[4] In 2002, he started all 16 contests, 15 at strong safety, one at weakside linebacker and he led team with 149 tackles (101 solo) with 2.5 sacks, one interception, four passes defensed, three QB pressures, one fumble recovery, three tackles for loss, and eight special teams tackles. In 2003, he started 13 games at strong safety and had his second consecutive 100-plus tackle season, collecting 101 stops (77 solo) and had five sacks, five tackles for loss, one interception, eight passes defensed, nine QB pressures, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His Five sacks led all NFL defensive backs in 2003, was the most sacks by an NFL defensive back since 2000. He was also named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for November 2003.[5]

In 2004 Archuleta played in all 16 regular season games, starting 14, and started both playoff games despite being hampered by a back injury. He had his third consecutive 100-plus tackle season, collecting 123 tackles (73 solo) and had two sacks, five tackles for loss, three passes defensed, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and nine special teams tackles. He earned Co-"Horse Trailer Player of the Game" honors (along with Torry Holt) for his performance on Monday Night Football vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10/18, as he collected six tackles (three solo) and forced Bucs' RB Michael Pittman to fumble, recovering the fumble, and returned it 93 yards for a touchdown. Had 10 tackles (six solo), and earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors with two solo special teams tackles vs. Seattle Seahawks November 14, 2004. In 2005 Archuleta appeared in and started 14 games and collected 93 tackles (66 solo), 3.5 sacks, five pass deflections and one interception. In Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans, he intercepted a pass and returned it 85 yards for a touchdown. He also recorded six tackles, all solo, in that game. A month later, in Week 7 vs. New Orleans Saints, he recorded two sacks, seven tackles (six solo) and logged a fumble recovery.

Washington Redskins

[edit]

After the 2005 season ended, he was one of the most sought after free agent safeties. The Redskins made him the highest paid safety, up to that point, in NFL history by signing Archuleta to a six-year, $30 million contract (with approximately $10 million guaranteed) on March 14, 2006 [6] Archuleta started at strong safety for 7 of 16 games played with the Redskins, registering 50 tackles and one sack to go along with career-high 17 special teams tackles. He appeared in all 16 regular season contests for the third time in his career, registering a sack for sixth consecutive season, the longest active streak for an NFL safety. However, after struggles in the deep passing game for the Redskins, Archuleta was replaced at the strong safety position with Troy Vincent, and played only on special teams the last half of the season. On December 28, 2006, Archuleta expressed his displeasure with the way the Redskins were using him, and the lack of communication from the coaching staff, under head coach Joe Gibbs.

Chicago Bears

[edit]

On March 20, 2007, the Redskins traded Archuleta to the Chicago Bears for their sixth round selection in the upcoming 2007 NFL draft.[7] The Bears agreed to pay him $8.1 million over three years.[8] Archuleta was reunited with Lovie Smith, but never lived up to the expectations the team had for him during the 2007 season. Archuleta played 15 games with only ten starts and he intercepted a pass, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble. He knocked down three passes and had 61 tackles, numbers that were below his career averages. The Bears released him on May 6, 2008.[9][10] In his season with the Bears, Archuleta was paid $5.1 million of his contract, which the Bears picked up from the Redskins.[11]

Oakland Raiders

[edit]

On August 11, 2008, the Oakland Raiders signed Archuleta with the intention of moving him to linebacker.[12] He was released on August 30 in final roster cuts, to comply with the 53-man roster requirement.[13]

Post NFL

[edit]

Archuleta is a local and national sports commentator for ESPN and Fox, and was inducted into ASU's Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.[14]

Archuleta joined the new Pac-12 Network in 2012 as a game analyst for college football telecasts.[15] After one season Archuleta joined CBS Sports Network as an analyst for Conference USA and Mountain West Conference games; despite declining to play for the UFL, he did call the league's games when they aired on CBS Sports Network in 2012. He also joined the NFL on CBS in 2013 as a game analyst alongside Andrew Catalon, in 2014-16 alongside Tom McCarthy, in 2021–22 with Greg Gumbel, and in 2017–19, and 2023 alongside Spero Dedes, replacing Randy Cross.[16]

As of the 2023 season, Archuleta is partnered with Spero Dedes.

NFL statistics

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
G GS Comb Total Ast Sack FF FR Yds FT Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD
2001 STL 13 12 56 47 9 2.0 1 1 24 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
2002 STL 16 16 116 102 14 2.5 0 1 0 0 1 2 2 2 0 5
2003 STL 13 13 79 72 7 5.0 1 1 45 1 1 22 22 22 0 7
2004 STL 16 14 88 75 13 2.0 1 1 93 1 0 0 0 0 0 3
2005 STL 14 14 70 53 17 3.5 0 1 0 0 1 85 85 85 1 4
2006 WAS 16 7 60 49 11 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
2007 CHI 15 10 61 54 7 2.0 1 1 0 0 1 4 4 4 0 2
Career 103 86 530 452 78 18.0 4 6 162 2 4 113 28.25 85 1 25

Personal life

[edit]

Archuleta married Playboy Playmate Jennifer Walcott in 2010.[17][18] They had their first child, a son, on April 10, 2008.[19] The family was featured on an episode of Football Wives on E! True Hollywood Story in 2009.[20] He was also featured in Moves magazine alongside his wife, Jennifer.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Adam Archuleta

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Adam Archuleta (born November 27, 1977) is an American former professional football who played seven seasons in the () and currently serves as a game analyst for . Archuleta was born in , and attended , where he majored in Interdisciplinary Studies and graduated in 2000. As a three-year starting linebacker for the Sun Devils, he earned First-Team All-Pac-10 honors in 1999 and 2000, and was named the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 2000. Selected by the as the 20th overall pick in the first round of the , Archuleta transitioned to strong safety and was named to the All-Rookie Team that year. Over his , he appeared in 103 games with the (2001–2005), Washington Redskins (2006), and (2007), recording 18 sacks, four interceptions, and three defensive touchdowns. In , he led the in sacks by a with five, and he was later honored as a member of the St. Louis Rams' 10th Anniversary Team. Following his retirement from playing, Archuleta joined in 2013 as a analyst on , contributing to shows like Inside College Football. He advanced to game analyst for in June 2014, where he provides color commentary for NFL broadcasts.

Early years

Birth and upbringing

Adam Archuleta was born on November 27, 1977, in . His parents are Albert and Vange Archuleta, both engineers. They divorced when he was eight years old. His mother Vange then relocated with her two children—Adam and his older sister Stacie—from to . He was raised primarily by his single mother, with his father remaining in Wyoming. Coming from modest beginnings with limited support, Archuleta grew up in Chandler, Arizona.

High school career

Archuleta attended Chandler High School in Chandler, Arizona, where he played football under head coach Jerry Loper. As a versatile athlete, he excelled as both a and for the Chandler Wolves, earning recognition for his speed and tackling . During his high school career, Archuleta became a standout defensive player, contributing significantly to the team's efforts through consistent performances on the field. He was selected as a two-time All-Central Region honoree, highlighting his impact in regional competitions. Additionally, he received two-time All-State Honorable Mention accolades, underscoring his emergence as one of Arizona's top prospects. These honors drew attention from college scouts, though Archuleta initially received no offers, positioning him as a walk-on candidate for programs like .

Collegiate career

Arizona State University

Archuleta joined the team as a walk-on in 1996, following a notable high school career at Chandler High School that opened the door to the program despite lacking a offer. He redshirted his freshman year and transitioned to outside linebacker, earning a by 1997 and evolving into a key defensive contributor over four seasons. By his junior and senior years, Archuleta had solidified his role as a starter, anchoring the Sun Devils' linebacking unit during a period of competitive play in the Pac-10 Conference. As a redshirt in 1997, Archuleta played in all 12 games without starting, accumulating 17 tackles while adapting to college-level competition. He broke out as a in , starting all 11 games and recording 75 tackles, including a team-leading 18 tackles for loss and 5 sacks, which ranked third in the Pac-10 for TFL. In 1999, Archuleta started another 11 games, leading Arizona State with 111 tackles, 21 TFL (pacing the conference), 5 sacks, and 1 ; his performance earned him the team's Defensive MVP award. His senior season in 2000 capped a stellar college tenure, as he started all 11 games and topped the team with 127 tackles, 15 TFL, 4 sacks, and 1 , contributing to a defense that relied on his instincts and tackling prowess. Over his career, Archuleta amassed 330 tackles and 54 TFL, ranking fourth in school history for the latter. Archuleta emerged as a defensive leader within 's linebacking corps, serving as one of six returning starters in 2000 and providing vocal guidance to a group blending experience with emerging talent. His consistent production and on-field decision-making helped stabilize the unit amid transitional years for the program, fostering a culture of accountability and physicality. Academically, Archuleta majored in interdisciplinary studies and graduated from in 2000.

Awards and honors

During his junior and senior seasons at , Adam Archuleta earned first-team All-Pac-10 honors as a linebacker in both 1999 and 2000, recognizing his standout defensive performances in the conference. In 2000, Archuleta was named the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year, an accolade that highlighted his leadership and impact on the Sun Devils' defense, where he recorded 93 solo tackles, the second-highest single-season total in program history. He also received second-team All-American recognition that year from the , Gridiron News Service, and Foundation, further cementing his status as one of the nation's top linebackers. These accolades, particularly his senior-year conference and national honors, significantly boosted Archuleta's NFL draft stock, leading to his selection as the 20th overall pick by the in the first round of the . Archuleta graduated from Arizona State in 2000 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies.

Professional career

Draft and pre-NFL

Archuleta's standout collegiate performance at Arizona State University, where he earned Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2000, positioned him as a top prospect entering the 2001 NFL Draft. Leading up to the draft, Archuleta impressed scouts with his athleticism and versatility during the NFL Scouting Combine in February 2001, where he measured 6 feet tall and 211 pounds, ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, completed 31 bench press repetitions, and recorded a 39-inch vertical jump. His background playing both safety and linebacker at Arizona State highlighted his positional flexibility, allowing him to excel in run support and coverage, which analysts praised as a blend of size, strength, and football intelligence ideal for a box safety role in the NFL. Pre-draft interviews further showcased his maturity and work ethic, with Archuleta discussing his rigorous training regimen under coach Jay Schroeder, which emphasized explosive power and speed development. The St. Louis Rams selected Archuleta in the first round, 20th overall, of the 2001 NFL Draft on April 21, 2001, viewing him as a key addition to their secondary following their Super Bowl success the previous year. As a high draft pick, expectations were high for Archuleta to contribute immediately as a hard-hitting safety capable of pairing with veteran Aeneas Williams to strengthen the Rams' defense against emerging NFC West offenses. Archuleta signed a five-year contract worth approximately $7 million with the in July 2001, including a of nearly $3 million, reflecting his status as one of the top defensive backs taken in the draft. Post-draft, he focused on preparations for by continuing his specialized training with Schroeder, incorporating and strength exercises to adapt his college skills to professional demands, while participating in team-organized workouts to build chemistry with coaches and players ahead of the preseason.

St. Louis Rams (2001–2005)

Archuleta joined the St. Louis Rams as a first-round draft pick in 2001 and quickly transitioned from his college linebacker role to strong safety in the NFL, filling a key need in the secondary after the departure of veteran Keith Lyle. He earned a starting position as a rookie, appearing in 13 games with 12 starts and recording 56 combined tackles, 2.0 sacks, and 1 forced fumble during the regular season. This shift bolstered the Rams' defense, which was undergoing adjustments to complement the high-powered "Greatest Show on Turf" offense led by quarterback Kurt Warner. In the 2001 playoffs, Archuleta started all three postseason games, including against the , where he contributed 7 tackles in the ' narrow 20-17 loss. His rookie-year performance helped stabilize the secondary amid the team's push for a repeat championship following their 1999 victory. Over the ensuing seasons, Archuleta solidified his role as a hard-hitting , amassing 410 combined tackles, 12.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles from 2002 to 2005. Archuleta's 2002 season marked a breakout, as he started all 16 games and led the team with 116 tackles—the highest total by a defensive back since the franchise's relocation to in 1995—while adding 2.5 sacks and 1 . In 2003, despite missing 3 games due to injury, he achieved a career-high 5.0 sacks and scored on a 45-yard fumble return against the . The following year, 2004, saw him return 93 yards with a fumble recovery for a in a win over the , contributing to 89 tackles and 2.0 sacks across 16 games. During the 2005 campaign, Archuleta battled a herniated disc in his back but still started 14 games, notching 70 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and an 85-yard interception return for a against the in a 31-27 victory. He also participated in the 2003 playoffs, starting all four of his career postseason games and providing run support in the ' defensive efforts to adapt to offensive firepower while contending in the . Throughout his tenure, Archuleta's physicality and versatility were instrumental in maintaining defensive integrity during a period of offensive dominance and roster transitions.

Washington Redskins (2006)

In March 2006, Adam Archuleta signed with the Washington Redskins as a to a six-year, $30 million contract that included $10 million in guaranteed money, making him the highest-paid in history at the time. , under Joe Gibbs and defensive coordinator , targeted Archuleta for his experience as a versatile strong , drawing on his prior success with the where he had excelled in run support and blitzing packages. He was expected to bolster the secondary alongside , providing leadership and physicality in a defense emphasizing aggressive play-calling and multiple fronts. Archuleta began the season as a starter, appearing in all 16 games with seven starts primarily at strong safety, where he focused on run defense and occasional coverage duties. His statistical contributions included 60 combined tackles (49 solo), two tackles for loss, one sack, and one pass defensed, reflecting a role geared toward box presence rather than deep coverage. However, ' defense ranked near the bottom of the league in points allowed, and Archuleta struggled to adapt to Williams' complex scheme, which demanded greater versatility in pass defense compared to his more specialized role in . No significant injuries hampered his play, but after eight starts, he was benched in late October following poor performances in coverage during losses to teams like the and , where the secondary surrendered explosive plays. He was replaced by veteran Troy repurposed at , and Archuleta did not record a defensive snap for the final eight games, shifting to special teams and inactive status at times. The benching drew internal criticism, with Archuleta later expressing frustration over the lack of communication from Gibbs and Williams regarding his demotion, describing it as a "bizarre" situation amid the team's 5-11 finish. His tenure highlighted broader issues with ' heavy free-agency spending under owner Dan Snyder, as Archuleta's signing failed to stabilize the secondary and contributed to perceptions of schematic mismatch. Following the season, the Redskins traded Archuleta to the on March 21, 2007, in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick, effectively ending his time in Washington just one year into the deal.

Chicago Bears (2007)

Archuleta joined the via trade from the Washington Redskins on March 22, 2007, in exchange for the Bears' sixth-round draft pick (205th overall). The Bears restructured his existing contract into a three-year agreement valued at $8.1 million, including a $5 million , positioning him as the starting strong safety to bolster the secondary following the team's appearance the previous season. This move reunited him with Bears head coach , who had coached him during his early years with the . In the 2007 regular season, Archuleta played in 15 games, starting the first 10 before losing the role to rookie Brandon McGowan after Week 12. He contributed 60 total tackles (53 solo), two sacks, two passes defended, one for 4 yards, and one recovery to the Bears' defense. Notable performances included his lone , picked off from quarterback late in the first quarter of a 34-10 Week 3 loss on September 23, and a recovery in a 27-20 comeback victory over the on October 7 that helped secure a key divisional win. Despite suffering a broken right hand in late September, Archuleta continued to play through the injury, appearing in cast for games including a Week 4 matchup at . The Bears' defense, with Archuleta providing veteran depth at , ranked 20th in total yards allowed (330.4 per game) amid a disappointing 7-9 finish that eliminated them from playoff contention. Archuleta's tenure ended when the Bears released him on May 6, 2008, leaving him as an unrestricted after earning $5.1 million in base salary for the season.

Oakland Raiders (2008)

Following his release from the in May 2008, Adam Archuleta signed a one-year, $730,000 contract with the on August 11, 2008, to provide defensive depth during training camp. The Raiders, under head coach , planned to transition Archuleta from his primary role as a strong to strongside linebacker, leveraging his experience at the position from Arizona State to compete for a backup spot. During the preseason, Archuleta participated in practices and games, where he recorded 5 total tackles (4 solo and 1 assisted) while vying for a roster position amid a crowded linebacker group that included veterans like Thomas Howard and Ricky Brown. His efforts focused on adapting to the new role, but the competition proved intense as the team evaluated multiple candidates for limited spots on the 53-man roster. Archuleta was released by the Raiders on August 30, 2008, as part of the final preseason cuts to trim the roster to 53 players, marking the end of his eight-year playing career without appearing in a regular-season game for the team.

Post-playing career

Transition to broadcasting

Following his release from the Oakland Raiders in August 2008, which marked the end of his NFL career, Adam Archuleta retired from professional football and began exploring opportunities in media several years later. In 2012, Archuleta entered broadcasting by joining the newly launched Pac-12 Network as a college football game analyst, leveraging his experience as a former Arizona State standout to provide insights during telecasts. He worked in this role for one season, contributing to coverage of Pac-12 games alongside play-by-play announcers and sideline reporters. Archuleta transitioned to in 2013, continuing his focus on analysis for game broadcasts and contributing weekly to the studio show Inside College Football. Reflecting on his post-NFL path in a 2020 interview, Archuleta described the retirement period as a challenging identity shift, where he struggled with a diminished of self after football defined much of his life, leading to what he called a "rock bottom type deal." This prompted him to pursue broadcasting as an avenue to share his unique perspective on the game, while also fueling entrepreneurial interests, such as attending an franchise boot camp and launching a CoreLife Eatery franchise in . He noted that overcoming initial fears of discomfort and in media roles transformed into motivation for these ventures.

CBS Sports analyst role

In June 2014, Archuleta was promoted to game analyst for The NFL on , marking his transition to NFL broadcasts after earlier roles in coverage. He initially paired with play-by-play announcers such as Tom McCarthy and has since worked with others, including from 2021 to 2022 and in recent seasons, including multiple 2025 games. Archuleta signed a multi-year contract extension with in 2016, securing his role across and games for at least half a season of each. This deal solidified his position within the network's football coverage. Known for his analytical style, Archuleta excels at breaking down , leveraging his experience as an safety to provide insights into defensive strategies and decisions. His commentary emphasizes tactical depth, such as coverage schemes and late-game adjustments, drawing directly from his on-field perspective. In the 2025 NFL season, Archuleta's team with Dedes and sideline reporter has covered several high-drama finishes, including one-score games that showcased thrilling late-game scenarios. For instance, during the ' upset over the —their first win of the year—Archuleta expressed disbelief at the comeback while dissecting the defensive breakdowns. Archuleta has evolved into a prominent figure on the network's depth chart, handling key regional matchups and filling in for higher-tier assignments as needed.

Career statistics

Regular season

Archuleta's career spanned seven seasons from 2001 to 2007, during which he established himself as a hard-hitting safety known for his tackling prowess, particularly in his early years with the . Drafted 20th overall in 2001 out of Arizona State, where he was praised for his instincts and productivity as a —earning comparisons to former Sun Devil from draft analyst Mel Kiper—Archuleta met initial expectations by quickly becoming a starter and contributor on a contending Rams defense. However, his career arc shifted toward journeyman status after leaving St. Louis, with declining production amid team changes and positional adjustments. His statistical output highlighted a peak in run support during his Rams tenure, where he frequently ranked among league leaders in tackles. For instance, in 2002, Archuleta recorded 102 solo tackles while playing all 16 games. The following year, he recorded 72 solo tackles and a career-high 5.0 sacks, showcasing his versatility in pass rushing from the safety position. By 2004, he notched 76 solo tackles and returned a fumble for a touchdown, but his interception totals remained modest throughout, with only four career picks. His years (2001–2005) accounted for the bulk of his defensive impact, including 22 passes defended and three forced fumbles, aligning with expectations for a first-round to anchor the secondary. After signing with the Washington Redskins in 2006, Archuleta's stats dipped to 49 solo tackles and one pass defended in 16 games, reflecting a reduced role and criticism for not meeting the high expectations set by his $15 million contract as a starter. Traded to the in 2007, he rebounded slightly with 53 solo tackles, two sacks, and one interception across 15 games, but his overall career trajectory fell short of elite status, transitioning from a projected cornerstone to a reliable but non-star defender.
YearTeamGamesSolo TacklesTotal TacklesSacksINTPDFF
2001STL1347562.0031
2002STL161021162.5150
2003STL1372795.0171
2004STL1676892.0031
STL1454703.5140
2006WAS1649601.0010
2007CHI1553602.0120
Over 103 regular-season games, Archuleta amassed 453 solo tackles, 18.0 sacks, four interceptions (one for a ), 25 passes defended, and three forced fumbles, with six fumble recoveries totaling 162 yards and two scores—metrics that underscored his value in run defense but highlighted limitations in coverage against the pass. Relative to his draft pedigree as a top-20 pick expected to excel in both run and pass defense, his tackle-heavy profile (averaging over 80 total tackles in his first four seasons) fulfilled physical demands but underdelivered on ball production, contributing to a solid rather than superstar career arc.

Postseason

Archuleta appeared in six postseason games across three seasons with the St. Louis Rams, showcasing his versatility as a strong safety in run support and pass coverage during critical playoff matchups. As a rookie in the 2001 playoffs, he started all three games for the NFC's top seed, contributing significantly to the Rams' defensive efforts en route to Super Bowl XXXVI. In the Divisional Round victory over the Green Bay Packers (45–17), Archuleta helped secure a dominant win marked by 8 takeaways, including a fumble recovery by the Rams defense. He followed in the NFC Championship Game win against the Philadelphia Eagles (29–24), aiding in containing a late comeback attempt. In , a narrow 20–17 loss to the , Archuleta played extensive coverage snaps on tight ends and slot receivers, including monitoring , who caught 5 passes for 56 yards; his run-stopping presence limited the Patriots to 90 rushing yards, though the ' offense faltered in the final drive. Archuleta's postseason output highlighted his immediate impact in high-pressure environments, with his tackling efficiency comparable to his regular-season form where he amassed 56 combined tackles in 13 games. Archuleta returned to the in the 2003 Wild Card Round, starting and contributing in a 29–23 defeat to the , where he helped restrict running back Stephen Davis to 54 yards on 19 carries. In 2004, hampered by a back injury but starting both games, he contributed in the Wild Card upset win over the (27–20), helping to hold quarterback to 208 passing yards. His Divisional Round performance against the (47–17 loss) saw the defense struggle against Michael Vick's mobility. Over his postseason career, Archuleta accumulated 26 tackles (22 solo, 4 assists), 1 fumble recovery, and 2 pass deflections with no interceptions across 6 games, reflecting steady contributions in championship contexts that mirrored his regular-season reliability without standout deviations in production.

Personal life

Family and marriage

Archuleta married model on March 23, 2010, in a sunset ceremony at Capilla Chapel in , . Walcott, a former of the Month for August 2001, had been dating Archuleta since 2005. The couple has three children: sons Jett James, born April 10, 2008, and , born September 7, 2012, and daughter Piper Rose, born February 1, 2014.

Interests and philanthropy

Archuleta has expressed a strong personal faith, often referencing in his social media bio and reflective posts about life's challenges post-NFL. He maintains a keen interest in dogs, frequently sharing content on , play, and efforts, including a 2024 promotion to adopt a dog named with a $100 donation from his family toward the adoption fee. Fitness remains a core passion, particularly high-velocity plyometric and speed training methods he pioneered with coach during his playing days, which he continues to endorse through 2025 podcasts and social media discussions on explosive athletic performance. Archuleta incorporates tools like kettlebells into his routines, as highlighted in his Instagram bio and training-focused content. In , Archuleta co-founded Archuleta Enterprises and led the opening of two CoreLife Eatery health-focused restaurants in Tempe and , in 2021, emphasizing nutritious dining aligned with his fitness ethos. His presence on underscores a post-NFL identity centered on , athletic development, and personal growth, with themes of confidence-building and instinct-trusting shared through reels and stories as of 2025. Philanthropically, Archuleta supports youth sports development by leading the Adam Archuleta Football Academy, a training program aimed at young athletes, and serving as a conditioning and defensive assistant coach for High School's football team in , since 2024. He promotes charities like The Forever Angels and via , including resources such as the Courage First Athlete Hotline for youth protection. In Arizona community efforts, his restaurant ventures include participation in local events to foster health awareness.

References

  1. https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/cbs-sports/shows/cbs-sports/talent/?view=adam-archuleta
  2. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/ArchAd20.htm
  3. https://thesundevils.com/player-bio-adam-archuleta
  4. https://www.clanram.com/forum/the-2016-los-angeles-rams-season/ram-talk/3079-espn-the-magazine-article-on-archuleta
  5. https://www.profootballhistory.com/adam-archuleta/
  6. https://x.com/Jenniferwalcott/status/1835372705102831657
  7. https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/high-school/2024/05/17/former-asu-star-adam-archuleta-helps-rebuilt-chaparral-football-staff/73691443007/
  8. https://thesundevils.com/news/2021/2/16/football-checkin-in-with-adam-archuleta-welcome-to-the-restaurant-business.aspx
  9. https://sundevils.com/honors-awards/hall-of-fame/sun-devil-hall-of-fame
  10. https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/cbs-sports/talent/?view=adam-archuleta
  11. https://news.asu.edu/content/ten-former-asu-athletic-greats-be-inducted-sports-hall-fame
  12. https://www.houseofsparky.com/2016/7/17/12209426/asus-50-best-professional-athletes-no-37-footballs-adam-archuleta
  13. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/adam-archuleta-1.html
  14. https://thesundevils.com/news/2013/04/17/player-bio-adam-archuleta-arizona-state-university-official-athletic-site
  15. https://thesundevils.com/sun-devil-all-time-all-americans-all-sports
  16. https://thesundevils.com/2001-nfl-draft-recap-1
  17. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/2001-combine.htm
  18. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/618969-2011-nfl-mock-draft-10-greatest-scouting-combine-performances-in-nfl-history
  19. https://www.upi.com/Archives/2001/04/21/Rams-choose-Adam-Archuleta/7793987825600/
  20. http://www.espn.com/melkiper/s/2001/0422/1177521.html
  21. http://www.espn.com/nfl/nfc/draftsignings.html
  22. https://www.barnesjewish.org/Newsroom/In-the-News/ArtMID/1493/ArticleID/812/Plyometrics-considered-ultimate-workout-stretch
  23. https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs01/columns/garber_greg/1322321.html
  24. https://www.profootballarchives.com/nflboxscores2/2003nfl137.html
  25. https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2062457
  26. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200509250ram.htm
  27. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-mar-14-sp-newswire14-story.html
  28. https://www.commanders.com/news/redskins-sign-safety-adam-archuleta-3456982
  29. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2006/10/29/redskins-pay-price-for-moves-span-classbankheadteams-free-agent-focus-is-questionedspan/3451ff6e-c418-4905-b523-5d220b8d5995/
  30. https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2006/12/29/redskins-archuleta-breaks-silence-over-being-benched-by-team/28519703007/
  31. https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2006/dec/29/20061229-124603-8933r/
  32. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2006/12/29/decrying-the-silent-treatment-archuleta-speaks-out/e83b2d21-cc38-4118-b016-08f41838511d/
  33. https://www.espn.com/blog/washington-commanders/post/_/id/38358/redskins-have-changed-free-spending-ways-but-not-the-results
  34. https://www.nfl.com/news/former-first-round-pick-archuleta-released-after-one-season-09000d5d80830669
  35. https://www.mercurynews.com/2008/08/11/raiders-sign-safety-archuleta/
  36. https://www.espn.com/nfl/trainingcamp08/news/story?id=3530153
  37. https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Oakland-takes-a-chance-on-Archuleta-3273427.php
  38. https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/oakland-raiders/stats/2008?type=pre
  39. https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2008/08/30/raiders-announce-their-cuts/
  40. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/former-redskin-adam-archuleta-attempts-second-career-in-broadcast-booth/2012/06/22/gJQA5zEBwV_story.html
  41. https://www.espn.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/41491/pac-12-network-announces-new-talent-hires
  42. https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Closing-Bell/2012/07/23/Pac-12/
  43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erOLJP4uITc
  44. https://sports360az.com/adam-archuleta-on-life-after-football-entrepreneurship/
  45. https://awfulannouncing.com/cbs/cbs-announces-2021-nfl-broadcast-pairings.html
  46. https://juddzulgad.substack.com/p/copy-rating-the-cbs-announcers-for
  47. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/cbs-sports-unveils-nfl-announcer-lineup-for-2025-season-jim-nantz-tony-romo-and-tracy-wolfson-are-back/
  48. https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/heat-index/2016/08/13/boivin-former-asu-standout-adam-archuleta-signs-new-deal-with-cbs/88686514/
  49. https://barrettmedia.com/2025/08/14/the-nfl-on-cbs-broadcast-teams-a-breakdown/
  50. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6785749/2025/11/08/cbs-nfl-broadcast-crew-one-score-games/
  51. https://awfulannouncing.com/cbs/adam-archuleta-cannot-understand-tennessee-titans-arizona-cardinals.html
  52. https://www.espn.com/melkiper/s/2000/1213/948077.html
  53. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2002/leaders.htm
  54. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/ArchAd20/gamelog/post/
  55. https://vindyarchives.com/news/2010/apr/26/jennifer-walcott-v-adam-archuleta/?print
  56. https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-who-is-adam-archuletas-model-wife-jennifer-walcott-meet-the-cbs-announcers-playboy-playmate-spouse/
  57. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1320403/trivia/
  58. https://www.instagram.com/adamarchuleta31/
  59. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_8sPSdSZ8m/
  60. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLgBoJCPk30/
  61. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnTSdUvI7gE
  62. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPmWuqikST8/?hl=en
  63. https://thesundevils.com/news/2021/02/16/checking-in-with-adam-archuleta-welcome-to-the-restaurant-business
  64. https://azbigmedia.com/lifestyle/restaurants/adam-archuleta-brings-corelife-eatery-to-gilbert/
  65. https://www.facebook.com/teamarchuleta/
  66. https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/former-nfl-player-adam-archuleta-lead-new-corelife-eatery-tempe/
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