We sit down with Jamar Adams — Founder and Managing Principal of Essence Development — to discuss his journey from the NFL to becoming a leader in real estate development focused on affordable housing, workforce housing, and community-centered projects.Jamar shares how Essence Development, a 100% minority-owned real estate development firm founded in 2020, is building high-quality, socially impactful communities through affordable and mixed-use developments across the Northeast. We explore his approach to equitable housing, long-term community investment, and what it takes to scale real estate projects that create lasting impact.Before launching Essence Development, Jamar served as Vice President of New York Development at Related Companies, where he helped redevelop and preserve affordable multifamily housing nationwide. During his tenure, he oversaw billions in development and transactions, including the construction and rehabilitation of nearly 5,000 affordable and workforce housing units in New York City.Prior to real estate, Jamar played in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks and the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s a proud University of Michigan graduate and remains deeply committed to mentorship, leadership, and community empowerment through his involvement with national and local organizations.This conversation covers real estate development, leadership, discipline, career reinvention, and the mindset required to build something meaningful after professional sports.