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Daniel Graham
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Daniel Graham
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Daniel Lawrence Graham (born November 16, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Colorado Buffaloes, earning recognition as a consensus All-American in 2001. He was selected by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2002 NFL draft, and also played professionally for the Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Graham was born in Torrance, California. Growing up in Denver, Colorado, he 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 twelve quarterback 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 No. 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.[1]

College career

[edit]

While attending the University of Colorado, Graham played for the Colorado Buffaloes football team from 1998 to 2001. Nicknamed Grahambo, he was a prolific receiver for the Buffaloes, where he also started two games playing fullback during his freshman season before switching to tight end. After his senior season in 2001, he won the John Mackey Award as the nation's best tight end, was a first-team All-Big 12 selection, and was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American.[2] He finished his college career with 106 receptions for 1,543 yards and 11 touchdowns.

  • 1998: 3 catches for 83 yards.
  • 1999: 19 catches for 264 yards with 4 TD.
  • 2000:[3] 33 catches for 433 yards with 1 TD.
  • 2001: 51 catches for 753 yards with 6 TD.

Professional career

[edit]

New England Patriots

[edit]

In the first round of the 2002 NFL draft, the Patriots selected Graham with the 21st overall choice.[4] Early in his career he was known for dropping too many passes and suffering apparent lapses of concentration. He improved greatly in this aspect of his playing and also made himself known as an excellent blocking tight end.[5] 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 a Patriots team captain on December 6, 2006.

Denver Broncos

[edit]

Graham was signed by the Denver Broncos on March 6, 2007.[6][7] 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.[8]

He was voted offensive captain along with quarterback Jay Cutler for the 2008 season.[9]

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.[10]

On March 2, 2011, the Broncos released Graham.[11]

Tennessee Titans

[edit]

On July 31, 2011, Graham signed a three-year deal with the Tennessee Titans. Graham scored his only touchdown with the Titans and his final career touchdown on September 25, 2011, with a 4-yard touchdown reception from Matt Hasselbeck in the fourth quarter of a 17–14 victory over the Denver Broncos. He was released on June 12, 2012, with two years remaining on an $8.25 million contract. Graham was losing reps to Jared Cook, Craig Stevens and rookie Taylor Thompson.

New Orleans Saints

[edit]

On August 11, 2012, Graham signed with the New Orleans Saints.[12] On November 2, 2012, Graham was released by the New Orleans Saints.[13] He retired in August 2013.

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Year Team GP Rec Tgt Yards Avg Lng TD FD Fum Lost
2002 NE 12 15 — 150 10.0 31 1 7 0 0
2003 NE 14 38 — 409 10.8 38 4 21 0 0
2004 NE 14 30 — 364 12.1 48 7 20 0 0
2005 NE 11 16 — 235 14.7 45 3 9 1 0
2006 NE 12 21 34 235 11.2 29 2 12 1 1
2007 DEN 15 24 33 246 10.3 28 2 12 0 0
2008 DEN 16 32 50 389 12.2 28 4 20 0 0
2009 DEN 16 28 42 289 10.3 24 1 14 0 0
2010 DEN 16 18 37 148 8.2 28 0 5 1 0
2011 TEN 16 2 5 25 12.5 21 1 2 0 0
Career 142 224 201 2,490 11.1 48 25 122 3 1

[14]

Personal

[edit]

His father, Tom Graham,[15] starred at the University of Oregon from 1969 to 1971 where he became the all-time leading tackler in Duck football history and a 2001 inductee into the University of Oregon Hall of Fame. Tom played professionally for the Denver Broncos, the Kansas City Chiefs, the San Diego Chargers, and the Buffalo Bills during the course of an eight-year career as a linebacker.[7]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Daniel Graham

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Daniel Lawrence Graham (born November 16, 1978) is a former who played eleven seasons in the (NFL). Graham played college football for the , earning consensus All-American honors as a senior in 2001. Selected by the in the first round (21st overall) of the , he contributed to the team's victories in and . He later played for the from 2006 to 2009, the in 2010, and the [New Orleans Saints](/page/New Orleans_Saints) from 2011 to 2012. Over his NFL career, Graham appeared in 148 games, recording 224 receptions for 2,490 yards and 25 touchdowns. After retiring, he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018 and the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.

Early Life

Childhood and Family Background

Daniel Graham was born on November 16, 1978, in . Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to , , where he spent his early years. He was raised by his parents, Tom Graham and Marilyn Graham, in the Denver area. Graham's father, Tom Graham, had a professional football career as a linebacker in the , playing for the from 1972 to 1974, the in 1974, the from 1975 to 1977, and the in 1978. This family connection to the sport provided an early backdrop for Daniel's interest in football, with his upbringing influenced by stories and experiences from his father's time in the league. He has a twin brother, , two older brothers (Phillip and Jason), and a sister (Ebony), further shaping a close-knit family environment in Denver. During his early childhood in , Graham attended local schools and began developing an awareness of athletics through familial encouragement, though his organized involvement in sports came later. The move to aligned with his father's retirement from the , allowing the family to establish roots in the community where Tom had begun his professional career.

High School Career

Daniel Graham attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver, Colorado, where he developed into a versatile athlete after initially stepping away from football following his freshman year to focus on other sports. Upon returning for his sophomore season, Graham lettered in football and basketball, showcasing his athletic range while drawing inspiration from his father's NFL legacy as a linebacker for the Denver Broncos. During his high school career, Graham demonstrated exceptional versatility by playing , outside linebacker, , and for the Spartans. His multifaceted role allowed him to contribute on both sides of the ball and in special teams, helping to bolster the team's performance through reliable execution in diverse responsibilities. In his senior year of 1996, Graham excelled as a receiver, recording 33 receptions for 741 yards and 6 touchdowns, averaging 22.5 yards per catch. Defensively, he added 29 tackles (15 solo) and four fumble recoveries as an outside linebacker, further highlighting his impact across positions. These contributions underscored his value to the Spartans, where his leadership and productivity earned him the Randy Brewer Award, presented annually by the school to its most inspirational football player.

College Career

University of Colorado

Daniel Graham enrolled at the in 1998 and played four seasons for the team from 1998 to 2001, primarily as a . Over his collegiate career, he amassed 106 receptions for 1,543 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable target in the passing game.
YearClassGamesReceptionsYardsAvgTDs
1998FR1138327.70
1999SO91926413.94
2000JR103344313.41
2001SR125175314.86
Career421061,54314.611
As a freshman in 1998, Graham saw action in 11 games, primarily as an H-back with an emphasis on blocking to support the run game, while recording modest receiving stats of 3 catches for 83 yards. His sophomore season in 1999 marked significant development, as he appeared in 9 games and boosted his production to 19 receptions for 264 yards and 4 touchdowns, refining his skills as a complete tight end under position coach Jon Embree. In 2000, Graham's junior year, he emerged as a key offensive contributor, playing in 10 games and securing 33 receptions for 443 yards and 1 , which highlighted his growing role in both the passing and blocking schemes. As a senior in 2001, he assumed a leadership position, starting all 12 games and leading the Buffaloes in receiving with 51 catches for 753 yards and 6 ; notable performances included a 21-yard reception early in the upset win over No. 2 , along with a 23-yard catch that set up another score and crucial blocking that created running lanes for teammates. Graham's versatility as an all-purpose was central to Colorado's offenses throughout his tenure, where he not only stretched the field as a receiver but also provided essential blocking to bolster the ground attack and protect quarterbacks. His contributions helped the Buffaloes compete in the , with his senior-year emergence underscoring his evolution from a developmental player to a cornerstone of the team's strategy.

Awards and Achievements

During his senior year at the University of Colorado in 2001, Daniel Graham was recognized as one of the top s in , earning the as the nation's outstanding . This accolade, presented annually since 1980, highlighted his blocking prowess, receiving skills, and overall impact on the Buffaloes' offense. Graham also received consensus All-American honors in 2001, selected to the first team by major selectors including the , , , , Walter Camp Foundation, Football News, and . He became the sixth unanimous All-American in history, a testament to his dominance at the position. In addition to these national awards, Graham was named a first-team All-Big 12 Conference selection by both coaches and the in 2001. His teammates voted him the team's , while the coaching staff honored him with the John Mack Award as the most outstanding offensive performer, and he received the Zack Jordan Award as the most inspirational player. These achievements significantly boosted Graham's draft stock, leading to his selection as the 21st overall pick in the first round of the by the . They also cemented his legacy at Colorado, where he is remembered as one of the program's most decorated players, later earning induction into the CU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018.

Professional Career

New England Patriots

Daniel Graham was selected by the in the first round, 21st overall, of the out of the . As a highly touted with All-American honors from his college career, Graham quickly adapted to the professional level, serving primarily as a blocking while contributing as a receiver in the Patriots' offense under head coach . In his season of 2002, Graham appeared in 12 games, recording 15 receptions for 150 yards and 1 , demonstrating his versatility in both run blocking and pass protection during the Patriots' transition to a more balanced attack. His development continued into subsequent years, with a breakout performance in 2003 when he posted 38 receptions for 409 yards and 4 , helping solidify the position alongside emerging stars like quarterback . Graham reached his peak in 2004, achieving career highs with 30 receptions for 364 yards and 7 , earning recognition for his red-zone reliability and physical play in the Patriots' Super Bowl-winning campaign. By 2006, his leadership was acknowledged when he was named a team captain midseason, praised by Belichick for his mental and physical toughness on and off the field. Graham played a key role in the Patriots' back-to-back victories, contributing both as a blocker to open running lanes and as a receiver in critical moments. In following the 2003 season, he caught 4 passes for 46 yards, including a 33-yard reception that helped maintain offensive momentum during New England's 32-29 win over the . The following year, in , Graham scored a 7-yard reception in the second quarter, aiding the Patriots' 24-21 victory against the and securing their third championship in four seasons. His blocking prowess was instrumental in supporting Dillon's ground game, which complemented the team's aerial attack. Over five seasons with the Patriots from 2002 to 2006, Graham appeared in 63 regular-season games, amassing 120 receptions for 1,393 yards and 17 touchdowns, while starting 51 contests and providing consistent protection for Brady. After the 2006 season, Graham departed as a free agent, signing with the in March 2007.

Denver Broncos

In March 2007, Graham signed a five-year, $30 million contract with the , including $15 million in guaranteed money, which at the time represented the richest deal ever for an tight end. This lucrative homecoming allowed the native and alumnus to return to his roots after four seasons with the , where he had contributed to two victories, bringing veteran leadership to Denver's offense. As a consistent starter under head coaches in 2007 and from 2009 to 2010, Graham served as a reliable blocker and short-yardage receiver in the Broncos' scheme, appearing in 63 games with 61 starts over four seasons. In his debut year, he recorded 24 receptions for 246 yards and two touchdowns, helping stabilize the position amid quarterback transitions. Overall, Graham amassed 102 receptions for 1,072 yards and seven touchdowns with , exemplified by his four-touchdown output in 2008, underscoring his role in supporting varied offensive strategies during a period of coaching changes. One notable highlight came in 2009 when he was featured on the cover of for the October 12 issue, capturing a dynamic play where he hurdled a defender during a 17-10 victory that improved to 4-0. The Broncos released Graham on March 2, 2011, primarily to avoid a $1 million roster bonus and manage constraints, ending his tenure after he had become a foundational piece of the team's group.

Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints

Following his tenure with the , where he had established a reputation as a reliable blocker, Daniel Graham signed a three-year, $8.5 million contract with the on July 31, 2011. In the 2011 season, Graham appeared in all 16 games for the Titans, starting seven, but his receiving production was minimal, with just two receptions for 25 yards and one . Primarily utilized for his blocking skills in the Titans' offensive scheme, Graham's role diminished amid team adjustments and his age of 33. The Titans released him on June 12, 2012, as part of roster evaluations heading into the offseason. Graham then joined the , signing a one-year, $990,000 on August 11, 2012, to provide veteran depth at . During the 2012 season, he played in six games without starting, recording no receptions and facing significant limitations due to a that sidelined him in late . His contributions remained focused on blocking and special teams, reflecting a further reduction in his offensive involvement as younger players took precedence in the Saints' passing game. The Saints waived him on November 1, 2012, to make room for other roster moves. After his release from the Saints, Graham did not sign with another team and announced his retirement from the on August 18, 2013, concluding an 11-season career that spanned 148 games. The injuries and evolving roles in his final years contributed to his decision to step away, marking the end of a professional journey highlighted by two wins earlier in his career.

Career Statistics

Regular Season

Daniel Graham's NFL regular-season career spanned 11 seasons from 2002 to 2012, during which he established himself as a reliable known for both his receiving contributions and blocking skills. Over 148 games, including 117 starts, he recorded 224 receptions for 2,490 yards and 25 touchdowns, providing consistent production in various offensive schemes across three teams. His performance varied year to year, with notable peaks in touchdown production during his time with the New England Patriots. The following table summarizes his regular-season receiving statistics:
YearTeamGamesStartsReceptionsYardsTouchdowns
2002126151501
2003149384094
20041414303647
2005119162353
20061211212352
20071515242462
20081616323894
20091614282891
20101616181480
20111672251
201260000
Graham's standout season came in , when he scored a career-high 7 touchdowns despite modest yardage totals, contributing significantly to the Patriots' offense. Earlier, in 2003, he achieved personal bests with 38 receptions and 409 yards, showcasing his role as a key target in the passing game. Beyond receiving, Graham was renowned for his run-blocking prowess, often described as one of the league's most effective tight ends in that facet. His physical style and technique made him a devastating blocker, particularly valued by teams like the and for opening lanes in the running game. Graham demonstrated strong durability throughout his career, appearing in at least 11 games in nine of his 11 seasons, though he dealt with injuries that limited him in 2005 (missing 5 games), 2006 (missing 4 games), and (a sidelining him after 6 games). Overall, his ability to play through wear and tear underscored his reputation as a tough, dependable .

Postseason

Graham's postseason career was confined to his tenure with the , spanning 11 games from the 2003 to 2006 seasons, during which the team advanced to three consecutive Super Bowls and won two championships. In these contests, he amassed 13 receptions for 143 receiving yards and 1 , often serving as a reliable target in key situations while prioritizing his blocking responsibilities. A of the Patriots' balanced offensive scheme, Graham excelled in blocking for running plays and short-yardage conversions, frequently lining up as an extra blocker to protect Tom Brady and create lanes for backs like Antowamne Smith and . His physicality was particularly evident in high-stakes playoff matchups, such as the 2003 against the , where he delivered strong blocks that helped maintain pocket integrity and opened running opportunities in a 24-14 victory. Graham's most notable receiving performances came in the Super Bowls. In against the on February 1, 2004, he caught 4 passes for 46 yards, including key receptions that advanced the Patriots into scoring position during their 32-29 win. The following year, in versus the on February 6, 2005, he hauled in 1 reception for 7 yards amid a dominant 24-21 triumph, contributing to the team's second title in three seasons. Other standout moments included his sole playoff —a 1-yard scoring grab from Brady in the 2006 Wild Card playoff win over the on January 7, 2007, which helped secure a 37-16 rout. In the subsequent Divisional Round against the on January 14, 2007, Graham posted season-high playoff marks with 2 receptions for 38 yards, aiding a 28-24 victory before the Patriots fell in the AFC Championship. Following the 2006 season, Graham did not appear in any additional postseason games, as his later teams—the (2007-2010), (2011), and (2012)—failed to qualify for the playoffs during his time with them.

Personal Life and Legacy

Family and Personal Interests

Daniel Graham was born on November 16, 1978, in , and raised in , , to Tom Graham, a former NFL linebacker who played for the from 1972 to 1974 before continuing his career with the , San Diego Chargers, and through 1977. Tom, an All-Conference selection and co-captain at the , provided early inspiration for Daniel's football path, as the family maintained strong ties to the sport. Graham grew up with four siblings: older brothers Phillip, who played defensive back at the , and Jason, who passed away in 2011 from brain cancer complications; a sister, Ebony; and his twin brother, Josh, who played football at the . The twins shared a close bond, though they attended different universities, with Daniel at the and Josh at the University of North Carolina, reflecting the family's deep athletic heritage. Graham also became a father early in his career, welcoming daughter Jaida in 2005. As a child, Graham idolized tight end , adopting jersey number 89 in high school and college to honor him, and the two later developed a friendship as Graham entered the . Beyond football, Graham pursued music as a primary , collecting records and listening extensively during his professional years. Graham's personal commitments extended to community involvement through the Daniel Graham Foundation, established during his tenure to support youth via free football camps, programs, and events like double dutch clinics, emphasizing academic excellence and family resilience amid his own family's challenges.

Post-Retirement Activities and Honors

Daniel Graham officially announced his retirement from the on August 18, 2013, after an 11-year career that included two championships with the . In recognition of his contributions to , Graham was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018 as part of an 11-member class that highlighted Buffaloes legends. He followed this honor with induction into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 2019, where he was celebrated alongside other notable figures from the state's athletic history for his standout performances at CU and in the . Post-retirement, Graham has maintained a strong affiliation with the , occasionally mentoring and coaching the Buffaloes' tight ends during practices and training sessions. In August 2024, he was observed providing guidance to the team's tight ends group after a workout, drawing on his experience as a winner and consensus All-American. He has also made guest appearances on sports media platforms, including a 2023 discussion on the Black and Gold Weekly podcast about CU football and a 2024 episode of the Dumb Jock podcast with former Denver Broncos teammate Nate Jackson, where he reflected on his career transitions. Limited public details exist on formal business ventures, though his involvement with CU underscores a commitment to developing young athletes in his home state. Graham's legacy endures as one of the NFL's premier blocking tight ends, renowned for his physicality and technique that opened lanes for teammates and protected quarterbacks throughout his professional tenure. As a vocal leader in locker rooms across multiple teams, he exemplified reliability and team-first mentality, influencing younger players with his work ethic and pride in the less glamorous aspects of the position.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrahDa00.htm
  2. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/bio/_/id/3549/daniel-graham
  3. https://cubuffs.com/honors/cu-athletic-hall-of-fame/daniel-graham/116
  4. https://www.coloradosports.org/hall-of-fame/athletes/2019-inductees/daniel-graham/
  5. https://www.brookeandjeffrey.com/content/2022-11-09-cut-traded-fired-retired-podcast-daniel-graham/
  6. https://www.denverpost.com/2007/11/03/the-broncos-interviews-daniel-graham/
  7. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrahTo21.htm
  8. https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/sacco-sez-father-s-day-was-made-for-the-broncos-grahams-18978648
  9. https://www.denverpost.com/2007/12/27/great-to-be-a-graham/
  10. https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/daniel-graham-a-colorado-native/
  11. https://media.denverbroncos.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Denver_Broncos_Media_Guide_2008.pdf
  12. https://media.patriots.1rmg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/18202051/2003_Media_Guide_New_England_Patriots_WEB-1.pdf
  13. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/daniel-graham-1.html
  14. https://cubuffs.com/news/2018/11/5/football-cu-athletic-hall-of-fame-profile-daniel-graham
  15. https://cubuffs.com/news/2001/11/23/35151
  16. https://247sports.com/college/colorado/Article/Colorado-Names-TE-Daniel-Graham-Team-MVP-104031551/
  17. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/3549/daniel-graham
  18. https://www.patriots.com/news/2006-positional-review-tight-ends-136901
  19. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200402010car.htm
  20. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200502060nwe.htm
  21. https://africa.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2790143
  22. https://www.denverpost.com/2007/03/06/broncos-sign-te-graham/
  23. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrahDa00/gamelog/2007/
  24. https://sicovers.com/featured/dallas-cowboys-v-denver-broncos-october-12-2009-sports-illustrated-cover.html
  25. https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story/_/id/6175366
  26. https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-release-veteran-tight-end-daniel-graham-7466016
  27. https://www.sportsforecaster.com/nfl/p/34480/Daniel_Graham
  28. https://www.patriots.com/news/behind-the-scenes-with-te-daniel-graham-136361
  29. https://www.sbnation.com/fantasy/2012/10/28/3564624/daniel-graham-injury-update-fantasy-status-saints-vs-broncos
  30. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/625342-denver-broncos-release-tight-end-daniel-graham-possible-replacements
  31. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrahDa00/gamelog/post/
  32. https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/sports/2004/01/24/patriots-notebook-graham-trying-to/41178316007/
  33. https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/daniel-graham-ready-to-return-home-face-former-team-8650514
  34. https://nesn.com/2011/04/former-patriots-tight-end-daniel-grahams-brother-succumbs-to-brain-cancer/
  35. https://www.patriots.com/news/gearing-up-for-the-big-game-on-sunday-136261
  36. https://nypost.com/2002/04/16/ex-giant-martins-a-graham-backer/
  37. https://denverbroncosalumni.org/daniel-graham-foundation-dgf/
  38. https://www.denverpost.com/2011/05/31/daniel-graham-foundation-sports-camps-are-free-for-denver-area-youths/
  39. https://sportsforecaster.com/nfl/p/34480/Daniel_Graham
  40. https://sports.yahoo.com/colorado-great-daniel-graham-shares-162442433.html
  41. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8wY9fUxlXE
  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F63KlWAi3Ug
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