Five-Time Pro Bowler Calls it a Career with the Saints
Jimmy Graham, a dominant force at tight end, officially retired after a storied NFL career just as he planned to do as a member of the New Orleans Saints. A five-time Pro Bowl honoree, Graham first made his mark in New Orleans, resurrecting his career with the team in 2023 before stepping away for good. This full-circle moment cements his legacy as one of the most physically gifted and statistically impressive tight ends of his generation. His return to New Orleans offered fans one final look at a player who helped redefine the position during the early 2010s.
Graham was drafted by the Saints in the third round, 95th overall, in 2010, despite having limited football experience at the University of Miami. His athleticism was evident from the start, and by his second season in 2011, he exploded with 99 catches, 1,310 yards, and 11 touchdowns. That performance made him the first tight end in Saints history to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season. Over the next few years, he became a go-to target for Drew Brees, utilizing his size, speed, and body control to outmaneuver defenders consistently. At his peak, Graham was truly unguardable. Paired with future Hall of Fame Quarterback, Brees, the two formed one of the most dangerous quarterback-tight end connections the league has ever seen. Whether it was high-pointing a jump ball in the end zone or outrunning linebackers down the seam, Graham dominated matchups with ease. Defenses often had no answer for his unique blend of height, athleticism, and ball skills, especially when Brees placed the ball perfectly where only Graham could get it. It was a connection that powered the Saints’ offense to historic heights and cemented both players’ legacies in New Orleans.
From 2011 to 2014, Graham was selected to three Pro Bowls and earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2013, when he led all tight ends with 16 touchdown receptions. He broke multiple franchise records for the Saints, including most receptions, yards, and touchdowns by a tight end. His dominance in the red zone made him nearly unguardable, and his production earned him a reputation as one of the league’s premier offensive weapons. Even after being traded to the Seahawks in 2015, Graham continued to perform at a high level with other teams, including the Packers and Bears. Across his 13-year NFL career, Graham played in 197 games and recorded 719 receptions for 8,545 yards and 89 touchdowns. Including playoff performances, he scored 94 total touchdowns, placing him among the top five tight ends in NFL history. His average of 11.9 yards per reception speaks to his ability to stretch the field, and his consistent scoring made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. In 2023, he returned to the Saints for a final season, catching four touchdown passes in a limited role over 13 games before deciding to retire.
Standing six-foot-seven and weighing 265 pounds, Graham was a rare physical specimen. With a background in college basketball, he brought body control, leaping ability, and fluid movement that translated perfectly to football. He was a mismatch for linebackers and defensive backs alike, particularly in the red zone, where he often made scoring look effortless. Though he never won a Super Bowl, his influence on the tight end position and the numbers he posted make him a Hall of Fame-caliber player. His Pro Football Reference Hall of Fame Monitor score ranks him among the most productive tight ends in league history.
Jimmy Graham didn’t just play the game; he helped evolve it. As he walks away from football for the last time in the same city where his journey began, his career is a testament to talent, perseverance, and elite athleticism. He finishes with five Pro Bowl appearances, nearly 9,000 receiving yards, and close to 100 touchdowns. He will undoubtedly be honored in the Saints Ring of Honor, joining the all-time greats in franchise history. And when all is said and done, Graham may very well earn a gold jacket in Canton, cementing his place among the legends in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
