Jimmy Graham: "I want to help bring another Lombardi Trophy to New Orleans"

quote:

---

The 27-week long offseason hoopla over Graham’s contract situation ended Tuesday morning, the final day to reach a long-term contract before the season, when the All-Pro and Saints agreed to terms on a multi-year deal. “I’m beyond excited,” Graham said Tuesday night. “I didn’t get into to football to learn litigation. I got into football to win games with my teammates, friends and coaches. I am extremely happy to get back to what it’s really about.”

---

quote:

---

“It’s hard to describe, it’s surreal,” Graham said. “With my childhood and how hard the road has been leading up to this point. The quote I have always lived by is that ‘you have an opportunity to turn a dream into a reality.’ I approach every day with that mindset. Every day, every game is an opportunity. That is how I approached these last 20-plus years. I see everything as an opportunity.” With Graham’s contract settled, here’s a look at how his offseason unfolded and his mindset going forward.

---

quote:

---

“It was tough being away from the guys,” said Graham. “The good thing is that the base and group of friends I have here in Miami is still strong. I did the same thing I did during the lockout year. I basically did the same day-to-day routine that I did (in 2011). And after the lockout, I had one of my best seasons I have ever had.” Along with his routine and setting, another familiar sight from the lockout summer was his workout partner - former New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma. Vilma is one of Graham’s closest friends and has advised him during his pro career. While Graham trained away from Airline Drive, he relied on the fellow University of Miami alum more than ever. “Vilma has trained with me every day this offseason,” said Graham. “He has stayed in my corner and coached me up on a lot of things. He has been great to talk to about (contract negotiations). Everyday we would talk about it then we would lift weights and run.”

---

quote:

---

This past March at the NFL Annual Meeting in Orlando, the league announced dunking on the goalpost would result in a penalty starting this season.Graham said he doesn’t understand the rule but will abide by it. “I am going to listen to the rules and I understand the consequences,” said Graham. “I don’t want to hurt the team but I really just don’t know what to do now (laughter.) It’s all I have ever done for a touchdown. I am trying to figure that out – it’s still in the works. Now that I am back with the guys and we will be at camp for a month, I am sure we will figure something out. “

For fans hoping that Graham would fill the void left by wide receiver Lance Moore’s departure as the team’s best endzone dancer, he quickly squashed that suggestion. “First off, I am too big to dance like that,” said the 6-7, 265-pound tight end. “I could end up hurting something. Lance was like a little ninja. That’s just who he is. I don’t think there are many dancers in the NFL that can do it better than him. I would just be bringing shame to it.”

Fans will have to wait and see what Graham’s new end zone celebration will be (feel free to send him a suggestion on Twitter) but along with dancing, he has ruled out spiking the football as well.

---