Jimmy Graham talks about being traded to the Seahawks

New Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham talked with local media for the first time since Tuesday’s trade that brought him to Seattle, and while he was surprised to be leaving New Orleans, Graham was also excited about his new team. You can listen to what he had to say at Seahawks.com, or read a transcript below:

Were you surprised by the news?

“It was definitely shocking. I had worked out in the morning, and I’m actually a pilot, so I took the plane to get some food, so I was actually on a beach down in Florida when I got the call from Sean Payton letting me know that I had just been traded. I was just working out and kind of doing my offseason thing, and next thing I know I’m a Seahawk.”

Did you have any inkling the Saints were trying to trade you?

“No, not at all really. I would say about a month ago, maybe not even a month ago, I was in the city and saw (Saints general manager) Mickey (Loomis) and was talking about next season with Mickey. Even when the season ended, just talking with the coaches, talking about what we’re going to do, what we’re going to work on, so it was definitely out of left field.”

Your thoughts on coming to Seattle?

“Immediately once Sean said I had been traded, I was going through the list of everyone who had a bunch of cap space, thinking either Jacksonville or Oakland or somewhere, but when he told me Seattle, it definitely put a grin on my face. I’ve had some battles clearly against their defense the last couple of years. We’ve struggled against them as a team as a whole. It’s probably the one game as player you always look forward to because they’re always so good and it’s usually a primetime game. So for me it was a moment of shock, but once that shock cleared, I realized that I was going to the best team in football.”

You got into it with some Seahawks before a playoff game, have you talked to Michael Bennett or Bruce Irvin yet and what do you think about playing with those guys?

“I’m excited, you know? Whenever we’re all getting ready for a playoff game, you know how serious those games are and you try to motivate your guys. There’s a lot of emotion that goes into those games, and when I play, it’s all about winning and it’s all about doing whatever it takes to fire guys up and to get that emotion running. For me, that’s just a part of the game. We play a contact sport and it’s aggressive, and you have to be aggressive in everything you do. So for me, I’m excited to sit down with the guys—some of the guys have reached out to me, called me on the phone—but I’m excited to really get to know these guys and become one of their brothers and work towards winning a championship.”

Why kind of plane do you fly?

“I was flying a Bonanza, a little six seater.”

What can you bring to Seattle’s offense?

I’ve been watching some film and it seems like a lot of teams play a lot of cover zero against them because of Marshawn Lynch and that read option is so good. Marshawn, you have to put guys in the box and you have to bring safeties down. When you’re playing cover zero there are a lot of one-on-ones, there are a lot of opportunities down the field, there are a lot of opportunities in that middle section where you have guys in these one-on-one matchups and I think eventually teams won’t be able to do that. You won’t be able to go cover zero to stop the run and I think I can help open that up. And then in the red zone, that’s something I’ve always been good at. I’m 6-7, 260 pounds and most of those are like a rebound for me. I’m looking to really fit in wherever they need me. I’m a team player and I’m all about winning. Wherever they want me and whatever they want me to do I’m 100 percent on board, and that’s with anything.”

Any concerns about fewer targets in Seattle given the style of offense the Seahawks play?

“No. Out there in New Orleans we’ve really been flinging the rock. Like I said a minute ago, for me it’s all about winning. It’s all about having an opportunity and a chance at winning a championship, and that’s all I care about. If a team needs me to catch 100 footballs or a team needs me to catch 30, or a team needs me to catch 15 touchdowns or 5 touchdowns, I’m going to do it. I’m going to do whatever it takes to win. I’m not complaining at all about any of that. I just want to be part of this team and I want to be there in big moment for this team and this franchise to help us win games.”

Any idea about how the Seahawks will use you?

“I know Seattle does have some pretty good tight ends as it is. We haven’t really had any time to dive into it. It’s been a crazy 48 hours for me. 48 hours ago I was answering the phone from Sean. Yesterday I spent the day in Seattle meeting with the doctors and getting cleared on my medical, so I stopped by and was able to briefly talk and see the beautiful facility and see my new city which was very encouraging. Right now I haven’t had any time to dive into it.”

Have you had a chance to talk to Russell Wilson?

“The first guy to reach out to me was Russell. He called me right away, shot me a text and we briefly spoke and talked about his goals and his team’s goals and what has been going on and catching up and sharing some things. What I shared with him was exactly the chemistry thing. I said I’m going to go wherever I need to go and I’m going to be wherever I need to be to be with you and to work on this chemistry because the most important thing is chemistry, and the only way to work on that is time. You’ve got to run those routes and you’ve got to catch and throw. I’m really looking forward to getting with him and learning more about him as a player as a thrower, as a passer. I’m excited for it

“As far as me and Drew, the way me and Drew really sped that up, especially early in my career—my second year I ended up having like 99 catches—was having a full practice or an OTA and then after a practice we would get even more reps in. As long as he wants to throw to me I’m going to keep catching. I know we’re probably going to spend a lot of time after practice just working routes. What he likes, what he doesn’t like and what he prefers because Russell is a fantastic quarterback. I’ve been able to watch some film on him and obviously I’ve played against him a lot these last couple of years. I’m excited about working with him and about getting this chemistry together.

Russell Wilson says he patterns his game after Drew Brees, do you see similarities?

“Yeah, definitely they do have similar games except Russell really will run with the ball. Drew will really, really stand in the pocket no matter what; he rarely, rarely runs it. So I was watching a lot of film where Russell will ends up kind of breaking out of the pocket, and really that’s when he’s scary and when coverages are broken down and you have to respect him as a runner because he’s so good at it and he’s able to get these shots down the field and these huge, game-changing plays, so I’m really looking forward to really seeing that for the first time, because Drew really is a pocket passer. And Wilson, he can be a pocket passer but he’s so dynamic in what he can do and he’s so dangerous outside the pocket that it’s really going to be fun.’’

Your thoughts on the Seahawks after playing them twice in 2013?

“I would say right after the first game, the first thing I noticed was how close they were as an entire unit. Not only their defense but their offense. When their offense is on the field, their defensive guys are right there screaming and yelling and literally being fans of their offense. And when their defense is out there their offensive guys are doing the same thing. It just seems like they have a culture there that kind of breeds a brotherhood, and they pull for each other and they kind of compete, and it seems like for them it’s all about winning. It’s not about individual anything, but about what does it take to get the win? I’m really looking forward to being a part of that.’’

How did you get into flying?

“I’ve been flying officially by myself for four of five years now. As a child I always wanted to fly. One of my favorite movies was top Gun, like a lot of kids my age, so I always wanted to be a fighter pilot. Unfortunately I’m 6-7, so once I got to the league I started taking classes to get my license, got my license, my private, my instrument, and multi-engine. And I’ve been traveling, before I was traveling back and forth between New Orleans and Miami but I would fly myself. But it looks like I’m not really going to be able to fly from Miami to Seattle in that plane, it’s a little bit further of a flight.’’

First impressions of meeting Pete Carroll?

“Man I love him. He puts a smile on my face. He really is a player’s coach. Walking into the building yesterday it just seemed like there is a buzz around there, a sense of urgency and just the whole coaching staff did. And the way Pete, him just literally when he sat me down just talking about my basketball career and going back and talking about all these things that he’s heard about me, and I could tell that he’s a detail-oriented person. He knew so much about me—half the stuff I had forgotten about, and that really means something. I think that means something really to anybody that he would take the time to really learn all of these individual things about me and literally called about very person I’ve ever been with in my life, someway or another, to find out how I was as a person and how I was driven. That truly meant a lot.’’

What number do you plan on wearing since 80 isn’t available?

“Yeah, it’s a funny story. About five minutes after I hung up with Pete Carroll I started thinking about it. The last time I was in that stadium I remember 80 was hanging in the rafters. Clearly that’s been retired and 80 is done for me. Hopefully, I’m thinking maybe 88 will be my number. It seems like more of a round number, but really I don’t care what number they give me. They asked me that, actually, yesterday which number I wanted. They could give me any number. As long as it can be an eligible receiver, I’ll be good.”

Did last year’s franchise-tag situation lead to any issues with New Orleans?

“I hope it didn’t have any really effect. I think as a player, some players actually have a hard time separating business between things getting personal and just business being business. That’s what you always hear. ‘Hey, it’s a business first.’ When you get franchised and you don’t want to be franchised, you’re going to fight that. You’re going to find a way to try and figure out a long-term deal. Most guys want more of a long-term deal. You want more security especially when you’re going out there and you’re going as hard as you can every Sunday and you’re putting it on the line for your team. I think business is business. I think they understand that and I understood that so I don’t think it affected it.”

What kind of dog do you have? (Note, 710 ESPN’s Jim Moore likes to ask everyone about their dogs)

“Yeah. I’ve got a… not many people know about my dog. I’ve been able to keep her a secret but it’s actually a Sizsla, it’s called. It’s a red-haired dog. Kind of matches me a little bit. It’s a girl. She’s a sweetheart.”

Would it have been tougher being traded if not to the Seahawks?

“Well, let’s say first off, leaving New Orleans, I’ve been there for the last five years of my career. When I went there I was a boy and I feel like now I’m leaving as a man. I do owe a lot to New Orleans and I owe a lot to that coaching staff and to all my teammates and to that city for accepting me and believing in me really early. But when I look at it, the most important thing to me in my career is winning championships. Winning trophies and winning rings. That’s really all I care about. So for me it’s unfortunate to have to leave somewhere that you’ve been for so long but when you go into an organization like the Seattle Seahawks, an organization that you can tell that’s all that’s on their mind is winning. And winning rings at that, winning championships and that’s their complete focus. For me, highly encouraged and highly motivated just to be a part of that and just to be able to contribute to that ring is all I care about at this point now.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16

Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.