Jimmy Graham is calling it a career. The veteran tight end confirmed a report from John DeShazier of the Saints website that he’s indeed hanging up his cleats.
After sitting out the 2022 campaign, Graham returned to New Orleans for the 2023 season. After hauling in four touchdowns that season, the veteran wouldn’t commit to the 2024 campaign and ultimately didn’t end up joining a team. Still, the tight end avoided an official retirement announcement until today.
Graham was one of the most productive receiving tight ends during his early days with the Saints. Between the 2011 and 2013 seasons, the former third-round pick averaged 90 catches for 1,169 yards and 12 touchdowns per season. His numbers slowly declined as he approached his age-30 campaign, although he remained productive in stops with the Seahawks and Packers. Following a two-year stop in Chicago, Graham sat out the 2022 season before reuniting with the Saints for the 2023 campaign.
Graham will finish his career having hauled in 719 receptions for 8,545 yards and 89 touchdowns. He also amassed over $82MM in career earnings.
The hyped died fast for him. People were already trying to call him the greatest tight end of all time lol.
He still has the most receiving yards through five seasons of any tight end ever.
Through five seasons lol.
If he’d retired after those first five seasons, he’d be tied for 15th all time in tight end receiving touchdowns with Mark Andrews. It was a really great start to his career.
Okay but what about the other 9 seasons of his career?
He slowed down with age, injuries, and not being with Brees and Payton Anymore, but he also made another two Pro Bowls and caught another 38 touchdowns.
Most players call that a career in the NFL.
Since he is most remembered as and had his best years as a SAINT,
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has needed a new front man since 2018.
Clearly staying in shape in his new rowing career:
“Graham and his team completed the Arctic Challenge, rowing roughly 584 nautical miles across the Arctic Ocean in a little over 10 days, per the Saints’ official team website. The pace broke the previous record for a team of four — 15 days, 5 hours and 32 minutes.”
Dude had a great career but a lot of “what ifs”. His peak years with the Saints were some prime TE work.
Good Luck Jimmy!