Jimmy Graham gives New Orleans Saints fans a first-hand update on his latest historic activity off the football field

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Jul 12, 2025 1:37 AM ET

Former New Orleans Saints fan favorite Jimmy Graham isn't taking the offseason for free time and comfort. Instead, he and a group of other thrill-seekers are taking on a massive challenge this summer that pushes all of them to their limits. Graham and his crew are taking on the Arctic Challenge.

Graham and the challenge's social media, along with the Saints' organization, released an update regarding how it's going for Graham and his group so far.

Jimmy Graham updates everyone on Arctic Challenge

Via social media video posted by the Arctic Challenge, Graham and his crew subtly updated all interested about their status and safety of their current trek.

"It’s been raining nonstop for 24 hours. No sun for 72. We’re officially in battery conservation mode. Everything’s wet. Everything’s cold. But the mission? Still fully charged. We are so thankful for everyone’s continued support through this journey. Let’s go!" -- Jimmy Graham via Saints

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Graham seems to still be in good spirits as he and his team continue their difficult and long-standing journey. They still have plenty of work to do, but fans will appreciate the inside look into the intriguing experience for the former Saints star.

What is the Arctic Challenge?

WHERE

The team will start their journey in Tromsø, Norway. They will row 1000 Kilometers across the Arctic open ocean, landing in Longyearbyen, Svalbard.

WHEN

With 18 months of preparation and training under their belt, the team will push away from land in July 2025. The journey is expected to take between 10-20 days.

HOW

The team will row non-stop in 9 meter ocean rowing boat, alternating in 2 hour shifts, 24 hours a day. They will bring all supplies on-board, rowing completely unsupported.

-- via Arctic Challenge

Graham will be joined by Andrew Tropp and Hannah and John Huppi in an effort to row 1,000 kilometers across the Arctic Ocean in a 9.6-meter, human-powered boat, as they attempt to set several world records in the event, including the speed record of 15 days, five hours.

The Arctic Challenge will begin in July and will journey from Tromso, Norway to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and last between 10 to 20 days. The team will depart for the site on July 1, spend two or three days preparing the boat, then wait for the best window of weather to begin.

Graham, Tropp and the Huppis will be raising funds for two New Orleans charities – Covenant House and Laureus Sport for Good – with the goal being $1 per meter for each charity. It will be sleep-deprived, around-the-clock work, each person rowing 13 hours per day with rotations of two hours on, two hours off and one hour donated per day. -- Saints website