Former NFL receiving leader announces his retirement

Now 38 years old, Graham began his career as a third-round draft pick by the Saints and played for them from 2010-14. He also had subsequent stints with Seattle, Green Bay, and Chicago before eventually returning to the Saints in 2023.

Graham’s peak is right up there with some of the best runs by a tight end in NFL history. In the 2013 season specifically, Graham led the NFL with 16 receiving touchdowns. He posted multiple years of 1,000 or more yards receiving as well and formed a deadly duo with then-Saints quarterback Drew Brees, especially given Graham’s size and leaping ability as a 6-foot-7 former college basketball player.

Also a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection, Graham later saw the injuries pile up, particularly from 2015 onward (after suffering a torn patellar tendon in his right knee). As he aged and lost some physical ability, Graham transitioned into more of a role as a blocker for his teams.

Still though, Graham managed to have a lengthy 13-year career in the NFL and earned nearly $83 million in salary along the way. Graham hadn’t played in a game since the 2023 season and had already been hinting at retirement over the last year or so. Now Graham, who also exhibited some concerning off-field behavior in recent years, is making it official and calling it a career.