Michael Jordan’s ‘flu game’ is the stuff of legends. Now, thanks to Netflix’s ‘Receiver’ series, we get a glimpse into Davante Adams‘ own battle against illness, a performance that earned him a surprising new nickname and the respect of his head coach.

Week 15: Raiders vs. Chargers. Adams, usually a dominant presence on the field, was MIA (Missing in Action). As it turned out, his two young daughters had just battled the flu, and he himself was struggling with it as well. “My body always gotta have something weird going on at the wrong time, man,” Adams lamented in the Netflix episode. “Had the flu, throwing up, not feeling good at all. Lost like six pounds!”

Entered the analyst, Tony Gonzalez, ever the hype man. “Flu game, he’s got the flu game!” Gonzalez declared, referring to Michael Jordan‘s iconic performance where he battled flu to lead his team to victory. “Michael Jordan, who’s my GOAT—the greatest player of all time, the biggest competitor,” Adams responded. “I always tell people I’m the second-most competitive person on planet Earth behind Michael Jordan.”

The ‘flu game’ comparison stuck. Adams’ teammates caught wind and the nickname spread like wildfire. But did the ‘flu game’ live up to its legendary namesake? Raiders’ HC Antonio Pierce agreed. Recalling the scene in ‘Receiver,’ Pierce said, “He went out there, no practice, we’re juicing him up and he’s looking like he’s dying and sh*t. And then he goes out there and plays his a*s off!”

Despite no practice and fighting the flu, Adams defied expectations. He only grabbed five catches in the first half, but his performance impressed the usually stoic Coach Pierce. This wasn’t just any game; it continued Adams’ amazing streak—six seasons in a row with at least 80 receptions.

Davante Adams’ ‘flu game’ might not be as famous as MJ’s, but in the Raiders’ locker room, it proved that even when you’re down, a little Jordan-esque inspiration could drive you to give it your all. Though judging by the Chargers’ social media jabs, Adams vowed to turn their disrespect into motivation. 

Raiders’ Adams fired up after Chargers’ social media trash talk

Veteran WR Davante Adams has always dominated the gridiron, but there’s one team he seems to particularly enjoy lighting up: the Chargers. And guess what? This year’s matchup is about to get even spicier.

During an appearance on the Up and Adams Show, Adams revealed the Chargers’ social media team threw some major shade at him when the NFL schedule dropped. “They posted me and a trash can or something like that,” Adams said, clearly fired up. While he considered clapping back online, he ultimately decided on a different kind of revenge: “beat their head in.” Ouch.

Now, the Chargers might not have literally called Adams ‘garbage,’ but they did post a picture of him with a trash can. Let’s just say the Chargers’ secondary might want to start practicing their tackling drills—Adams has averaged over 8 receptions, 123 yards, and a touchdown per game against them in his Raiders uniform! 

With an already potent offense and a chip on his shoulder the size of a stadium nacho, Adams is setting the stage for a Raiders-Chargers showdown. Looks like the AFC West is about to get a whole lot hotter.