The New Orleans Saints have their first game of the season against the Arizona Cardinals in 51 days. The countdown to kickoff continues with Jimmy Graham's 51-yard touchdown from Drew Brees.
Graham recently entered the record books for being a part of the fast four-person team to row across the Arctic Ocean. It only took the team slightly over 10 days to complete the Arctic Challenge.
This was a special feat for someone who was a special player. His latest entry on this list is one of the best ways to describe who Jimmy Graham was without saying a word.
Jimmy Graham touchdown displayed what set the Saints tight end apart
Tight ends have been historically viewed as a matchup nightmare. They're too big for corners and too fast for linebackers. Graham embodied that belief and was so much more than that. With his 6'7'' frame, Graham could get open on a cornerback and bully safeties.
This touchdown saw Graham streaking down the field and had a step on the defensive back. Brees didn't get good footing after stepping up in the pocket. This led to the ball being slightly underthrown and Graham having to slow down to make the catch.
This just gave Graham an excuse to show his strength. He then carried the defender from the 10-yard line nearly to the end zone before extending his arm like Michael Jordan in Space Jam to cross the goal line.
Plays like that showed how special Graham was in New Orleans. He was on a Hall of Fame trajectory early in his career. If he never left New Orleans, there's a chance you could have seen a career similar to Travis Kelce. Graham's blocking ability may have been questioned, but he was an elite receiver.
He was so elite that he once campaigned to receive the franchise tag as a wide receiver. That was arguably the beginning of the end of his time with the Saints. He went on to return to New Orleans at the end of his career, but Graham's time away from the franchise squashed any Hall of Fame aspirations.