New Orleans Saints’ Jimmy Graham Arrested After Suffering Medical Episode

Jimmy Graham (80) of the New Orleans Saints looks to the scoreboard during a game against the Atlanta Falcons in New Orleans, La., on Dec. 21, 2014. Chris Graythen/Getty Images

New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham was arrested by police in California on Friday after experiencing a medical episode and becoming disoriented, according to a statement from the team.

Mr. Graham was found wandering in traffic and, according to a report from TMZ, he was taken into custody on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance.

His team said in a statement that Mr. Graham was sent to a nearby hospital for evaluation and spent the night under medical supervision undergoing tests.

Dr. John Amoss, the New Orleans Saints team doctor, was cited in the statement saying he believes Mr. Graham likely suffered a seizure.

“He was released this morning,” the team said, adding that Mr. Graham is back with his teammates as they continue preparations for an upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Jimmy Graham #80 of the New Orleans Saints against the Green Bay Packers at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La., on Oct. 26, 2014. Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Mr. Graham is a five-time Pro Bowl player who spent last season out of football before returning to the league last month.

Mr. Graham’s career included stints with the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and the Seattle Seahawks.

On July 25, he signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints, in a move that returned him to the team that selected him as a third-round draft pick in 2010.

Jimmy Graham #80 of the New Orleans Saints warms up on the field prior to the start of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La., on Nov. 16, 2014. Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Background

Mr. Graham’s childhood was marked by adversity, according to his bio.

At 11 years old, he found himself placed in a group home where he endured physical abuse from older peers.

A key turning point came when a church youth counselor took him in, leading to academic improvement and athletic success, with Mr. Graham excelling at basketball in high school.

His collegiate years at the University of Miami were marked by dual pursuits of basketball and football.

After graduating, he stayed at the university to pursue graduate classes while playing a season of football. He played as a tight end, with 17 receptions for 213 yards and five touchdowns.

The NFL beckoned in 2010, when Mr. Graham was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the draft. A four-year contract followed, with Mr. Graham setting and tying multiple Saints records.

Jimmy Graham #80 of the New Orleans Saints is congratulated by Mark Ingram #22 following a touchdown during the third quarter of a game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La., on Nov. 9, 2014. Chris Graythen/Getty Images

In 2015, Mr. Graham was traded to the Seattle Seahawks, where he established himself as a record-setting tight end.

Subsequent seasons with the Green Bay Packers further cemented his status as a formidable player in the league.

His career path led him to the Chicago Bears in mid-March 2020, where he signed a two-year deal.

Mr. Graham sat out last season, before signing with the Saints.

“For me, I’ve been trying to come home for a long time,” Mr. Graham told reporters after signing with New Orleans, per the team.

“Last year had some conversations and determined that I really didn’t want to play anywhere else. Had a couple teams that were reaching out—all teams that made the playoffs,” he said.

At a recent post-practice interview from the Saints’ training camp, he said he’s “enjoyed every moment” of being back with the team.

According to the Saints, Mr. Graham had 386 of his 713 career receptions, 4,753 of his 8,506 receiving yards, and 51 of his 85 touchdowns in New Orleans.