FORT WORTH -- Former Cowboys tackle Flozell Adams, who now plays for the Steelers, got a little present before leaving Pittsburgh this morning.

Adams' fellow offensive linemen wore throwback Michigan State jerseys to honor him.

The Steelers players did the same thing for former running back Jerome Bettis when the Steelers beat Seattle in Super Bowl XL. Bettis, a Detroit native, was playing in his last game.

"They all told me they wished they had went to Michigan State," Adams said Monday. "And I was like, 'Hey if you want to go back and get your graduates [degree] I know some people up there still.' "

Adams had no clue his teammates were going to wear his No. 76, his college number, before the team got on a plane to North Texas. Several players were still wearing the Michigan State jersey when the team were at the team hotel.

"It's special for them to come up with the throwbacks," Adams said. "And for all the guys to wear it it feels kinda good and I'm grateful for it."

Adams played 12 seasons with the Cowboys and went to the postseason six times, winning just once with no Super Bowl appearances. When the Cowboys released Adams, he was hoping to play for a contending team and when injuries occurred to the Steelers offensive line, things opened up.

"Going through all the years and making the playoffs and not advancing any further you totally disappointed," Adams said. "You don't want to sit at home and watch it on television and other guys that you beat are making it to the Super Bowl. It just makes you want to work harder and do everything you need to do and fortunately it happened this year."