Miami Hurricanes legend Jimmy Graham takes TE Jackson Carver flying

Miami Hurricanes legend Jimmy Graham took current tight end Jackson Carver flying in a post to X by Gaby Urrutia of Inside the U. Graham played four years for the Miami basketball program and one in football before being selected in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft, 95th overall by the New Orleans Saints.

Carver played in two games for Miami as a true freshman in 2023. Carver could be a long-term prospect for Miami. A late-blooming prospect in the 2023 class, Carver didn't start playing football until his senior year in high school. Carver grew up playing hockey and lacrosse.

Graham's love of aviation is highlighted on his website with four videos of him flying. In one of the videos, Graham discussed that his interest in aviation began with the movie Top Gun. Graham took flying lessons early in his NFL career as he mentions over going on vacation or throwing a party.

In various videos, Graham is seen flying helicopters, performing aerobatics and quoting Leonardo DaVinci. In the twilight of his NFL career, Graham continues seeking adventure away from the field. Graham announced in February he will compete in a challenge to row across the Arctic Ocean in 2025.

With various sporting interests, Carver and Graham are a good match. Graham told Katherine Terrell of ESPN he has not made a retirement decision. Graham is "fourth among tight ends and 16th all-time with 89 career receiving touchdowns" per Terrell.

Marcedes Lewis of the Chicago Bears who is 40 would be the only TE in the NFL older than Graham. Graham is seventh all-time among TEs with 719 receptions and eighth with 8,545 receiving yards. Greg Olsen is the only Miami TE alum with more receptions and yards. Graham has the most NFL touchdown receptions among former Miami TEs.

Graham spending time with Carver is the latest example of a Miami football alum giving back to the program. Carver should be able to learn from spending time with Olsen and continue to develop as he enters his second season with the Hurricanes. Carver projects to be fifth in the 2024 Miami TE rotation.