NEW ORLEANS — Longtime New Orleans Saints fan-favorite Jimmy Graham will taking on a new challenge, according to a social media post on Monday.
The 37-year-old Graham, who just completed his 13th season in the NFL – and sixth with the Saints – announced on X (formerly known as Twitter) that he will join a team of four in an attempt to complete the Arctic Challenge in 2025.
According to the Saints, if successful, Graham's Team USA crew would set a Guinness World record for the first mixed-gendered team to row the Arctic Ocean, as well as the first American team to row across polar waters.
Graham is set to serve as lead navigator on a crew comprised of former Navy SEAL Andrew Tropp (captain) and former Team USA rowers – as well as New Orleans husband and wife – Hannah Huppi (project manager) and John Huppi (equipment manager), the latter of which serves as the rowing coach at Tulane University.
The Challenge attempt will also provide Graham and company the chance to break an Arctic crossing record set by Ocean Revival in 2023 of 15 days, 5 hours and 23 minutes.
The Challenge has partnered with three charities that they will be supporting during the row: Covenant House, the Jimmy Graham Foundation, and Laureus Sport for Good USA.
Graham is no stranger to adventure. The former All-Pro tight end and five-time Pro Bowler, who returned to the Saints last year after seven seasons spent in Seattle (2015-17), Green Bay (2018-19) and Chicago (2020-21), has held a private pilot's license since 2011, and holds certifications in a variety of aircraft, including seaplanes, commercial planes and helicopters.
Three days after the Saints' 48-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons in both team's season finales, Graham posted an ambiguous series of stories on his official Instagram account from the cockpit of an airplane with one in particular leaving doubt as to the future of his NFL career.
"It's been real [New Orleans]. Thank you for all the love," he posted from high above the city.
Graham caught six passes on seven targets for 39 yards and four touchdowns during the 13 games he was activated for during his one-year deal with the Saints last season.
During his 13-year career, Graham amassed 8,545 yards receiving with an 11.9 average and 89 touchdowns – 55 of those TDs with the Saints.
The Arctic Challenge will begin in 2025. For more information and to learn more about the crew members and the mission, visit www.thearcticchallenge2025.com.
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