Born A Bronco: An Article On Daniel Graham

The Broncos have drafted 2 second round tight ends the last three years. I speak of Tony Scheffler and Richard Quinn. Will this stop the best blocking tight end in the NFL from being a force for the Broncos? Unlikely. I speak of course, of Daniel Graham.


Daniel Graham was born in Torrance, California in November of 1978. Early in his childhood his family moved to Denver, Colorado where Daniel went on to play football at Thomas Jefferson high school. Daniel specialized at many positions in high school. He played tight end, outside linebacker, long snapper and place kicker. If playing all those position wasn't enough, he also played basketball and lettered three times.



His high school football stats were very impressive. Only playing in seven games his senior year, he managed to catch 33 passes for 741 yards, which if you average out, comes to an impressive 22.5 yards a catch. He also played defense, recording 29 tackles and 12 sacks.



Daniel played college ball for the Colorado Buffs. For the first two games of his freshman year, he played fullback before being switched over to tight end. After his senior year, he was named First-Team All-American and won the John Mackey award as the nations best tight end.


"With the 21st overall pick in the 2002 NFL draft, the New England Patriots select Tight End Daniel Graham, University of Colorado." Hearing those words changed Daniel Graham's life. The Tight End in New England's offensive system is primarily used as a blocker. So who better to get then Daniel Graham.



In New England, Graham established himself as one of the best if not the best blocking tight end in the NFL. But he also blossomed as a good receiver. Even in New England's system, Daniel was able to catch 83 passes. In 2006, Daniel was named the Patriot's offensive team caption, an honor which was well deserved.



At the end of the 2006 season, Daniel Graham became a free agent. He was the best free agent tight end available. He had many other teams he could've signed with but he chose the Broncos. He chose the Broncos because he was born a Bronco. he went to High School in Colorado, he went to college in Colorado, and his dad, Tom Graham, played for the Broncos during the 70's. On March 7, 2007, Graham agreed to a luxurious 5 year, $30 million deal with $15 million guaranteed.



Graham spent his first 2 years as a Bronco in Mike Shanahan's offensive system. In Shanahan's offense, he accumulated 56 catches while rotating time at tight end with team mate Tony Scheffler.


Now comes the 2009 season with a new coach Josh McDaniels. Josh McDaniels was with the Patriots organization when Graham played there. Josh is looking to bring a New England type offense to Denver except something will be a little different, the tight ends will be more involved in the passing game. This system will allow Graham to use his blocking skills along with his pass catching skills.

Daniel has proven to be an impact on the field and he has also made an impact off the field. The Daniel Graham foundation was created to support families from challenge to triumph by influencing youth and focusing on the areas of health, education, financial management, and community service.


Daniel Graham is an example of a true Denver Bronco.