New Orleans Saints legend Jimmy Graham begins new journey off the field that will make fans feel nervous but also excited for him

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 1:07 AM ET

New Orleans Saints fan favorite Jimmy Graham isn't expected to be back in the NFL this season, but that doesn't mean he isn't trying to be an active 38-year-old. He's annually found ways to push himself to his limits, and he's got his sights set on a new way to do exactly that.

Jimmy Graham takes on Arctic Challenge

The former Saints tight end is headed out for a new experience for a good cause. According to the team and Graham himself, the future Saints hall of famer will be part of the 2025 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

Off to the Arctic. See you all on the other side https://t.co/ZIr90NpWsw
— Jimmy Graham (@TheJimmyGraham) June 28, 2025

Fans are also able to keep an eye on Graham and his group.

Graham shared a live tracking map on social media for fans to see where he and his team are at nearly any moment. Their trip will be both arduous and exciting. Plenty of fans may want to watch their movement as they navigate the Arctic.

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.

-- Arctic Challenge

It is yet another challenge (quite legitimately) for a former NFL star that has always looked for ways to stay active and get involved. Graham is certainly a role model type of athlete who isn't close to finishing his athletic career in every way he can find.