Jimmy Graham Taken Into Custody After Medical Episode, Saints Say

The veteran tight end signed a one-year deal to return to New Orleans in July.

Saints tight end Jimmy Graham was taken into custody on Friday night in Southern California, New Orleans confirmed in a statement on Saturday afternoon. Graham experienced a “medical episode” on Friday in what they believed “to be a likely seizure.” Graham’s episode resulted in him “becoming disoriented” and arrested by police.

“He [Graham] was taken into custody by local authorities and transported to a local hospital for evaluation … and spent the night under medical supervision and testing,” the statement read.

Dr. John Amoss, who supervised Graham in the hospital, is “overseeing” the care of the tight end. Graham was released from custody Saturday morning and is “with the team as they continue preparations for Sunday’s game.”  

The Saints will face the Chargers in preseason action on Sunday after the two teams participated in a joint practice session earlier this week. The statement comes after a TMZ Sports report that Graham was arrested on speculation of being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Graham, who recently re-signed with the Saints on a one-year deal in July, resisted being arrested, per TMZ. According to the outlet, a police report stated that officials saw the veteran tight end wandering in traffic and acting carelessly near a resort.

The situation remains under investigation. The five-time Pro Bowler started his career in New Orleans in 2010 when the Saints selected him in the third round of the ’10 NFL draft. After five seasons in the Big Easy, New Orleans traded Graham to the Seahawks in exchange for center Max Unger and a first-round draft selection.

After three seasons in Seattle, Graham signed a three-year deal with the Packers in ’18. However, following two seasons in Green Bay, the Packers released him before he went on to play two seasons with the Bears prior to sitting out the ’22 campaign.

In his 12-year NFL career, Graham has amassed 8,506 yards and 85 touchdowns in 184 games.