Daniel Graham
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| Daniel Graham | |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | November 16, 1978 (age 28) |
| Place of birth |  Torrance, California |
| Position(s) | Tight end |
| College | Colorado |
| NFL Draft | 2002 / Round 1/ Pick 21 |
| Statistics | |
| Team(s) | |
| 2002-2006 2007-present |
New England Patriots Denver Broncos |
Daniel Graham (born November 16, 1978 in Torrance, California) is an American football tight end who plays for the Denver Broncos of the NFL.
Contents |
[edit] Early years
Growing up in Denver, Colorado Graham 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 come to befriend him in his adult life.[1]
[edit] College career
Graham was a prolific receiver for the Colorado Buffaloes football team, where he also started two games playing fullback during his freshman season before switching to tight end.
After his senior season, he was named First-Team All-American and won the John Mackey Award as the nation's best tight end. He finished his collegiate career with 106 receptions for 1,543 yards and 11 touchdowns.
His dad is Tom Graham who also played for Colorado as a linebacker from 1972 to 1974.[2]
[edit] NFL career
In the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft, the Patriots selected Graham out of the University of Colorado 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.
Since then, he has blossomed as a receiver and blocker. 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 and became one of the better tight ends in the game. 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.
Graham was signed by the Denver Broncos on March 7, 2007.[2] The contract was for 5-years, $30 million.
[edit] Trivia
- Graham played a game of H-O-R-S-E with Boston Celtics star forward Paul Pierce.[3] Graham lost H-O-R-S-E to H-O.
