— Jimmy Graham (@TheJimmyGraham) January 10, 2024
Wishes for clear skies and safe travels are in order for Jimmy Graham; the fan-favorite tight end said goodbye to New Orleans Saints fans for what may be the last time on Wednesday, sharing a photo of the Crescent City skyline from his private airplane on social media.
“It’s been real (New Orleans),” Graham wrote, “Thank you for all the love.”
Graham made a surprise return to New Orleans at the start of Saints training camp, coming back to finish his career where it started. Graham only caught 6 passes while playing behind Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, and Taysom Hill, but he ended his season with 4 touchdown receptions. He converted a first down on each of the other catches.
What’s next for Graham? He had been making preparations to take his sailboat around the world before re-signing with the Saints last summer, so that may be his next stop. After that — maybe the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Graham doesn’t have the All-Pro and Pro Bowl recognition or championship rings of other tight ends to be enshrined in Canton, but his 89 touchdown catches (fourth-most among tight ends in the history of the sport) are tough to ignore. Graham’s eligibility won’t be discussed until 2028, but it’s something we should be looking for when the time comes.
In the meantime: here’s to Jimmy Graham. That he was able to come back to the Saints after being away for so long and still make a positive impact is wildly impressive. If this is it for him, he’s accomplished a career worth reflecting on fondly.
