Jimmy Graham, the talented tight end who played for teams including the New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and Seattle Seahawks, has officially announced his retirement from the NFL after a noteworthy 13-year career. The news was first reported by Saints reporter John DeShazier and confirmed by Graham himself.
Graham entered the league in 2010 and quickly established himself as one of football’s premier receiving threats. During his second season, he recorded an impressive 1,310 yards and 11 touchdowns, solidifying his status as a dominant player. He reached his career peak with 16 touchdowns in a season just two years later and had double-digit touchdown seasons in three of his first five years.
His career path took a turn when he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks following their Super Bowl XLIX loss. Despite the expectations, Graham’s time in Seattle was met with mixed reviews from fans. While some were critical of his performance, citing that he never fully reached the heights he achieved in New Orleans, others felt he was not used effectively enough within the Seahawks’ offensive scheme. A significant patellar tendon injury in 2015 limited his performance in that season, marking a low point at just two touchdowns.
Nevertheless, Graham rebounded to have two Pro Bowl-worthy seasons in Seattle in 2016 and 2017, finishing with 923 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2016, followed by a ten-touchdown season in 2017 despite limited yardage. He exited Seattle holding records for the most receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns for a tight end in the franchise’s history.
After his time with the Seahawks, Graham played with the Packers for two years and then the Bears for another two. He took the 2022 season off before returning to the Saints for a final stint in 2023, where he made a fitting exit with six receptions, 39 yards, and four touchdowns.
As he retires, Graham reflects on a career filled with significant achievements and memorable moments. The Seahawks community appreciates the impact he made during his time with the team and wishes him well as he moves forward into the next chapter of his life.
Graham’s journey through the NFL serves as a reminder of the highs and lows professional athletes face in their careers, and his contributions will not be forgotten by fans who witnessed his talent on the field.