Jimmy Graham
| New Orleans Saints | |||||||
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| Career information | |||||||
| College: | Miami | ||||||
| NFL draft: | 2010 / Round: 3 / Pick: 95 | ||||||
| Career history | |||||||
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| Roster status: | Active | ||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||
| Career NFL statistics as of 2010 | |||||||
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Jimmy Graham (born in Goldsboro, North Carolina) is an American football tight end for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. He played college football at Miami. He was considered one of the top tight end prospects for the 2010 NFL Draft.[1]
Early life
Graham had a difficult upbringing; at age 11 he was placed in a group home where he was physically abused by older children. In high school, with help from a church youth counselor who took him into her home, he improved his grades, became a basketball star at Charis Prep in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Miami.[2]
College career
Graham played basketball for the Miami Hurricanes men's basketball team from 2005 to 2009. Graham graduated from Miami in May 2009 with a double major in business and marketing, then stayed at Miami to take graduate classes while playing a season of football. He played tight end and finished the season with 17 receptions for 213 yards and five touchdowns. [2][3]
Professional career
Graham was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft, with the 95th overall selection. He signed a four-year contract on July 28, 2010.[4]
References
- ^ NFL Draft Scout
- ^ a b Jason Cole, "TE prospect adept at overcoming obstacles", Yahoo! Sports, April 8, 2010.
- ^ Brett Martel, "Saints' rookie Graham grateful for life's lessons", AP at Miami Herald, May 15, 2010.
- ^ Mike Triplett, "New Orleans Saints agree to terms with veteran quarterback Patrick Ramsey, rookie tight end Jimmy Graham", Times-Picayune, July 28, 2010.