Daniel Lawrence Graham (born November 16, 1978) is an American football tight end for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Colorado, and was recognized as an All-American. He was picked by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and has also played for the Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans of the NFL.
[edit] Early years
Graham was born in Torrance, California.[1] Growing up in Denver, Colorado, he attended Thomas Jefferson High School. Graham won the Randy Brewer award, which was given to the school's most inspirational player. During his time there, he played the positions of tight end, outside linebacker, long snapper, and placekicker. As a senior, he caught 33 passes for 741 yards (22.45 yards per reception) and six touchdowns, and recorded 12 sacks and 29 total tackles in just seven games. He also lettered three times in basketball.
At Thomas Jefferson High school and later at the University of Colorado Graham wore jersey number 89, the number that former New York Giants tight end Mark Bavaro wore during his pro career. As a child Graham idolized Bavaro, who has since followed Graham's career and has come to befriend him in his adult life.[2]
[edit] College career
Graham attended the University of Colorado, and played for the Colorado Buffaloes football team from 1998 to 2001. He was a prolific receiver for the Buffaloes, where he also started two games playing fullback during his freshman season before switching to tight end. After his senior season in 2001, he was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American and won the John Mackey Award as the nation's best tight end. He finished his college career with 106 receptions for 1,543 yards and 11 touchdowns.
[edit] Professional career
[edit] New England Patriots
In the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft, the Patriots selected Graham with the 21st overall choice. Early in his career he was known for dropping too many passes and suffering apparent lapses of concentration. In his rookie season, Graham recorded 15 receptions for 150 yards, and one touchdown. He added four tackles on special teams. In 2003, he started nine games and recorded 38 catches for 409 yards and four touchdowns. By 2004, Graham was fully integrated into the Patriots' system. He had 30 receptions for 364 yards and seven touchdowns. The Patriots won the Super Bowl at the end of each of these seasons. Graham was named the Patriots offensive team captain on December 6, 2006.
[edit] Denver Broncos
Graham was signed by the Denver Broncos on March 6, 2007.[3][4] The Broncos awarded Graham a five-year, $30 million contract. The deal included $15 million in guaranteed money that was distributed as a $10 million signing bonus along with a first-year roster bonus of $5 million.[5]
He was voted offensive captain along with quarterback Jay Cutler for the 2008 season.[6]
Daniel Graham was featured on the cover of the October 12, 2009 issue of Sports Illustrated magazine. The cover photo shows Graham cradling the football in his left arm and hurdling an unnamed Dallas Cowboys player during the October 4, 2009 contest where the Broncos defeated the Cowboys by the score of 17-10.[7]
On March 2, 2011, the Broncos released Graham.[8]
[edit] Tennessee Titans
On July 31, 2011, Graham signed a three-year deal with the Tennessee Titans.
[edit] Personal
His dad, Tom Graham, also played for Denver as a linebacker from 1972 to 1974.[4]
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrahDa00.htm
- ^ Reiss, Mike (August 17, 2006). "These tight ends are tight". The Boston Globe. http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2006/08/17/these_tight_ends_are_tight/.
- ^ http://www.denverpost.com/ci_5370262 Bill Williamson, “Bronco’s sign TE Graham”, The Denver Post, March 6, 2007, retrieved October 20, 2009
- ^ a b AP (2007-03-07). "Tight end Graham agrees to deal with Broncos". USAToday.com. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-03-07-free-agent-roundup_N.htm. Retrieved 2007-03-07.
- ^ http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?id=1095&sport=NFL retrieved on October 20th, 2009
- ^ http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/sep/05/broncos-select-team-captains/
- ^ Sports Illustrated, October 12, 2009, cover, volume 111, issue 13
- ^ "Graham Released". denverbroncos.com. http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Graham-Released/0029ab07-f1f7-4307-883e-726aa8a83e20.
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| Persondata |
| Name |
Graham, Daniel |
| Alternative names |
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| Short description |
All-American college football player, professional football player, tight end |
| Date of birth |
November 16, 1978 |
| Place of birth |
Torrance, California, United States |
| Date of death |
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