Five-time Pro Bowler Jimmy Graham has not officially retired from the NFL, but he is pursuing other ventures in the meantime. Graham is preparing to embark on a 621-mile rowing expedition to the Arctic Ocean in the summer of 2025, alongside three teammates.
This adventure is part of his broader goals of chasing world records and doing so for a meaningful cause, as he explained in an interview with ESPN’s Katherine Terrell.
Graham’s rowing expedition team includes retired Navy SEAL Andrew Tropp and a husband-and-wife rowing duo, John and Hannah Huppi. The idea for the expedition came about when Hannah reached out to Graham on Instagram after learning of his interest in sailing around the world. This led to a collaborative effort to plan the ambitious journey, which will take them across the open Arctic Ocean.
The expedition will begin in Tromsø, Norway, with a goal of rowing across the Arctic Ocean to Longyearbyen, Svalbard. The event is set to start on July 31, 2025, and the team expects the journey to take between 10 to 20 days. In addition to chasing world records, Graham’s team is also focused on raising funds for charities, including Covenant House and Laureus Sport For Good USA, both based in New Orleans.
Despite his focus on this upcoming adventure, Graham has not ruled out a return to professional football. In an interview in June, he mentioned that he has yet to make an official decision about retirement and would consult with the New Orleans Saints before making any final moves. His football career remains uncertain, but his commitment to meaningful endeavors off the field is evident.
Graham’s latest stint in the NFL came in the 2023 season after signing a one-year deal with the Saints following a year-long absence. Though his playing time was limited, Graham managed to score four touchdowns in the 13 games he appeared in. While he contemplates his football future, the rowing expedition offers him a new challenge and a way to make a positive impact off the field.
