Daniel Graham

Daniel Lawrence Graham^[1] (born November 16, 1978 in Torrance, California) is an American football tight end for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football for the Colorado Buffaloes.

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 has come to befriend him in his adult life.^[2]

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.

Professional career

New England Patriots

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. 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.

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]

Tennessee Titans

On July 31, 2011, Graham signed a three-year deal with the Tennessee Titans.

Personal

His dad, Tom Graham, also played for Denver as a linebacker from 1972 to 1974.^[4]

External links

• Daniel Graham at NFL.com

References