Rae Carruth, Cherica Adams

19 years have passed since disgraced ex-NFL star Rae Carruth was convicted of ordering a hit on his pregnant girlfriend, Cherica Adams, to avoid paying child support.

Carruth, 44, was released from prison today, Oct. 22, after serving more than 18 years for conspiracy to murder Adams and his unborn son.

Photographers and Carruth supporters were waiting outside the Sampson Correctional Institution in Clinton, N.C. when Carruth was released Monday morning.

There was a smattering of applause as Carruth got into a white SUV and was driven away from the prison gates.

Carruth was the Carolina Panthers’ 1st round draft pick in 1997. He was well on his way to NFL greatness when he was sidetracked by his responsibilities as a man.

Carruth was accused of arranging to murder Adams on Nov. 16, 1999. As she and Carruth left a movie theater in separate cars, several men followed behind them. When the small caravan reached a bend in the road, Carruth used his vehicle to block Adams’ car in as a hitman pumped four bullets into her car.

She managed to call 911 and implicate the star wide receiver.

Adams fell into a coma hours after doctors delivered her son, Chancellor, by cesarean section. She died less than a month later.

Chancellor, who suffered brain damage and cerebral palsy from a lack of oxygen, was raised by his maternal grandmother, Saundra Adams. His paternal grandmother has never met him.

Last week, Carruth told WSOC-TV in Charlotte via phone that he was “somewhat frightened” about his release.

“I’m nervous just about how I’ll be received by the public,” he said.

“I still have to work. I still have to live. I have to exist out there and it just seems like there is so much hate and negativity toward me.”

Saundra Adams previously said she would bring Chancellor to meet his father when he was released from prison. But they were not among the throng gathered outside the gates when Carruth walked free.