Jimmy Graham Proves His Toughness (Video)
By Paul Taylor
Jimmy Graham Proves His Toughness (Video)
Dec 2, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker K.J. Wright (50) and defensive tackle Tony McDaniel (99) after making a reception during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
It appears safe to say the majority of Seattle Seahawks fans are thrilled to see Jimmy Graham join the team. Yes, you’re losing a two-time Pro Bowl center and popular teammate in Max Unger, but it’s not every day one of the best tight ends in the game lands in your lap.
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Along the same lines, you can bet Russell Wilson and the rest of the Seahawks offense are also happy to have Graham on board. However, the same may not be true of Seattle’s defense.
In particular, Michael Bennett doesn’t appear to be too impressed with the former New Orleans Saints three-time Pro Bowler. Look no further than the defensive ends comments after the Seahawks beat the Saints in the playoffs a couple of seasons ago at CenturyLink Field.
At the time, Bennett told ESPN Seattle: “Nobody likes Jimmy Graham. I think he’s one of the softest players in the NFL. I think he’s overrated and I really don’t like him as a person or as a player.
Jan 29, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett at press conference at Arizona Grand in advance of Super Bowl XLIX. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“When he’s not in the game he’s not in the game. He doesn’t help on the blocking plays. I think he’s just overrated.”
Apparently, Bennett’s outburst stemmed from an incident before the divisional playoff game, between Graham and Bruce Irvin. The fun started when the Seahawks linebacker asked the 2013 First Team All-Pro to get off the home team’s side of the field during warm-ups.
Graham retorted by allegedly saying “I’m Jimmy”, which led to Irvin hitting a ball out of his hands and kicking it away. Graham responded by knocking a beanie off of Irvin’s head.
In all honesty, the incident sounds like six of one and half a dozen of the other. And while I can understand Bennett wanting to defend his teammate, to call Graham “overrated” was ludicrous.
To be honest though, the “soft” comment is the more interesting one. Let’s face it, no player likes to have his manhood questioned, especially when playing one of the most physically demanding sports in the world.
Admittedly, Graham isn’t renowned for his blocking, and the Seahawks have proven in the past you can take him out of a game by being physical with him. However, if nothing else, he has proven his durability since entering the NFL, missing just two games in five seasons.
Unfortunately, that might not be enough to convince Bennett his new teammate isn’t soft. Perhaps the fact Graham spends his off-season as a stunt pilot will do the trick.
Now that was spectacular. I’m impressed by anyone who can do aerial stunts 1,100 feet above the ground.
Of course, even this may not be enough to change Bennett’s mind about Graham. Something tells me that will only start to happen when he sees what the tight end can do for the his team’s offense on the field.