Jump to content

Kent Graham: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
That bit about Cowher risking his job for Stewart's chances needs a citation. I couldn't find any, so I added a note... maybe someone else can.
m →Personal life: amended Bo Richter's position
 
(44 intermediate revisions by 32 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|American football player (born 1968)}}
{{Infobox NFL player
{{Use American English|date=February 2024}}
|image=
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
|position=[[Quarterback]]
{{Infobox NFL biography
|number=10, 11
| name = Kent Graham
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1968|11|1}}
| number = 10, 11
|birth_place=[[Winfield, Illinois]]
| position = [[Quarterback]]
|debutyear=1992
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1968|11|1}}
|debutteam=New York Giants
| birth_place = [[Winfield, Illinois]], U.S.
|finalyear=2001
| height_ft = 6
|finalteam=Washington Redskins
| height_in = 5
|draftyear=1992
| weight_lb = 231
|draftround=8
| high_school = [[Wheaton North High School|Wheaton North]] {{nowrap|([[Wheaton, Illinois]])}}
|draftpick=211
| college = [[Ohio State Buckeyes football|Ohio State]]
|highschool=[[Wheaton North High School|Wheaton (IL) North]]
| draftyear = 1992
|college=[[Ohio State Buckeyes football|Ohio State]]
| draftround = 8
|teams=
| draftpick = 211
* [[New York Giants]] ({{NFL Year|1992}}–{{NFL Year|1994}})
| pastteams =
* [[New York Giants]] ({{NFL Year|1992|1994}})
* [[Detroit Lions]] ({{NFL Year|1995}})
* [[Detroit Lions]] ({{NFL Year|1995}})
* [[Arizona Cardinals]] ({{NFL Year|1996}}–{{NFL Year|1997}})
* [[Arizona Cardinals]] ({{NFL Year|1996|1997}})
* [[New York Giants]] ({{NFL Year|1998}}–{{NFL Year|1999}})
* New York Giants ({{NFL Year|1998|1999}})
* [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] ({{NFL Year|2000}})
* [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] ({{NFL Year|2000}})
* [[Washington Redskins]] ({{NFL Year|2001}})
* [[Washington Commanders|Washington Redskins]] ({{NFL Year|2001}})
* [[Houston Texans]] ({{NFL Year|2002}})*
* [[Houston Texans]] (2002)*
* [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] ({{NFL Year|2002}})
* [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] ({{NFL Year|2002}})
| statlabel1 = Passing attempts
:<small>*Inactive and/or practice squad member only</small>
| statvalue1 = 1,339
|statlabel1=[[Touchdown|TD]]–[[Interception|INT]]
| statlabel2 = Passing completions
|statvalue1=39–33
| statvalue2 = 694
|statlabel2=Yards
| statlabel3 = Completion percentage
|statvalue2=7,801
| statvalue3 = 51.8
|statlabel3=[[Passer rating|QB Rating]]
| statlabel4 = [[Touchdown|TD]]–[[Interception|INT]]
|statvalue3=69.0
| statvalue4 = 39–33
|nfl=GRA207625
| statlabel5 = Passing yards
| statvalue5 = 7,801
| statlabel6 = [[Passer rating]]
| statvalue6 = 69.0
| pfr = GrahKe00
}}
}}
'''Kent Douglas Graham''' (born November 1, 1968) is a former [[American football]] [[quarterback]]. Graham played quarterback at the [[University of Notre Dame]] before transferring to [[Ohio State University]]. After his [[college football]] career, Graham had a lengthy career in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) during which he played for the [[New York Giants]] in two separate stints, as well as [[Starting lineup|starting]] for the [[Arizona Cardinals]] and the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]]. He finished his career in 2002 with the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]].


'''Kent Douglas Graham''' (born November 1, 1968) is an American former professional [[American football|football]] player who was a [[quarterback]] in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He played [[college football]] for the [[Notre Dame Fighting Irish football|Notre Dame Fighting Irish]] before transferring to the [[Ohio State Buckeyes football|Ohio State Buckeyes]]. After college, Graham had a lengthy career in the NFL with the [[New York Giants]] in two separate stints, as well as [[Starting lineup|starting]] for the [[Arizona Cardinals]] and the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]]. He finished his career in 2002 with the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]].
==Early years==

Graham attended [[Wheaton North High School]] in [[Wheaton, Illinois]], where he was awarded the National High School Quarterback of the Year honor by The National Quarterback Club in 1986. Recruited by [[Notre Dame Fighting Irish football|Notre Dame]], he won his first career start for the Irish as a freshman against [[Boston College Eagles football|Boston College]] in 1987. However, the option-run offense implemented by coach [[Lou Holtz]] was an imperfect fit for the drop-back passer, and after his sophomore year he transferred to [[Ohio State Buckeyes football|Ohio State]], where he was the starter for the 1991 campaign in which the Buckeyes finished 8-4.
==Early life==
Graham attended [[Wheaton North High School]] in [[Wheaton, Illinois]], where he was awarded the National High School Quarterback of the Year honor by The National Quarterback Club in 1986. Recruited by [[Notre Dame Fighting Irish football|Notre Dame]], he won his first career start for the Irish as a freshman against [[Boston College Eagles football|Boston College]] in 1987. However, the option-run offense implemented by coach [[Lou Holtz]] was an imperfect fit for the drop-back passer, and after his sophomore year he transferred to [[Ohio State Buckeyes football|Ohio State]], where he was the starter for the [[1991 Ohio State Buckeyes football team|1991 campaign]] in which the Buckeyes finished 8–4.


==Professional career==
==Professional career==
Graham began his NFL career with the Giants in 1992, after the team drafted him in the eighth round of that year's NFL Draft. Due to injuries to starters [[Phil Simms]] and [[Jeff Hostetler]], Graham was forced into the starting lineup and started three games before he too was injured. He stayed with the team for two more years, only getting one more start, before leaving to play with the [[Detroit Lions]] in 1995. After not seeing any action, he signed with the [[Arizona Cardinals]] in 1996, where he eventually became the team's starting quarterback. In two separate stints as Cardinals quarterback, Graham threw for a combined 3,032 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Graham began his NFL career with the Giants in 1992, after the team selected him in the eighth round of that year's NFL draft.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1992 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1992/draft.htm |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Due to injuries to starters [[Phil Simms]] and [[Jeff Hostetler]], Graham was forced into the starting lineup and started three games before he too was injured. He stayed with the team for two more years, only getting one more start, before leaving to play with the [[Detroit Lions]] in 1995. After not seeing any action, he signed with the [[Arizona Cardinals]] in 1996, where he eventually became the team's starting quarterback. In two separate stints as Cardinals quarterback, Graham threw for a combined 3,032 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.


Graham returned to the Giants in 1998 to serve as backup to [[Danny Kanell]], who had led the team to the NFC East title the previous year. He moved into the starting lineup in Week 12 after Kanell had only led the Giants to three wins in their first ten games. Graham led the Giants to two wins in his first three starts, then secured a major upset over the then-undefeated and eventual Super Bowl champion [[Denver Broncos]] in Week 15 by throwing a late touchdown pass to [[Amani Toomer]] to clinch the victory. Graham finished the season 5-1 as the team's starter, and won his final four starts.
Graham returned to the Giants in 1998 to serve as backup to [[Danny Kanell]], who had led the team to the [[NFC East]] title the previous year. He moved into the starting lineup in Week 12 after Kanell had led the Giants to a 3–7 record in the first ten games. Graham led the Giants to two wins in his first three starts, then secured a major upset over the then-undefeated and eventual Super Bowl champion [[Denver Broncos]] in Week 15 by throwing a late touchdown pass to [[Amani Toomer]] to clinch the victory. Graham finished the season 5–1 as the team's starter, and won his final four starts.


Graham started the 1999 season as the starter ahead of offseason acquisition [[Kerry Collins]]. He held a winning record in the nine starts he did make, finishing 5-4 as a starter, but struggled most of the year and after back-to-back ineffective performances he was benched during a Week 11 game against the [[Washington Redskins]] in favor of Collins and never saw another snap as a Giant. The team released him following the season.
Graham started the 1999 season as the starter ahead of offseason acquisition [[Kerry Collins]]. He held a winning record in his nine starts, finishing 5–4, but struggled most of the year. After back-to-back ineffective performances he was benched during a Week 11 game against the [[Washington Redskins]] in favor of Collins. He did not see another snap as a Giant. Graham was released during the off-season (February 10, 2000) due to his lack of consistency and to create room under the salary cap.


In February 2000 Graham was signed by the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] on a $5.1 million deal over three years to replace [[Mike Tomczak]], who had been released in the off-season, as the backup for [[Kordell Stewart]]. In the wake of Stewart, who was having to cope with drastic changes to the offensive team members (including Tomczak, who had served as his mentor), having a mediocre 1999 season and a competitive first training camp, Steelers coach [[Bill Cowher]] (who, according to media rumors, was nearly fired by the Steelers organization for giving Stewart too many chances {{citation needed|reason=I can't find a single source to support this, and the Steelers haven't fired a head coach since 1968|date=December 2015}}) assigned Graham as the starting quarterback for the start of the 2000 season. Despite solid efforts, Graham performed less than impressive, beginning the season 0-3 due to Pittsburgh's defensive weaknesses. In the third game of the season vs. the [[Tennessee Titans]], Graham threw for 254 yards in one of the best offensive showings for the Steelers in over two seasons before injuring his hip late in the game and being replaced by Stewart, who went on to lead the team to two straight victories as Graham recovered. This built a quarterback controversy among fans and media, as many of the Steeler faithful supported Graham ahead of Stewart despite Stewart's recent successes with the team (having led the team to the playoffs twice in his first two full years as starter). However, Graham struggled mightily upon his return to the Steelers and eventually lost whatever playing time he had earned. After platooning with Graham Stewart returned to the starting position and Graham was cut at the end of the year.
In February 2000 Graham was signed by the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] on a $5.1 million deal over three years to replace [[Mike Tomczak]], who had been released in the off-season, as the backup for [[Kordell Stewart]]. In the wake of Stewart, who was having to cope with drastic changes to the offensive team members (including Tomczak, who had served as his mentor), having a mediocre 1999 season and a competitive first training camp, Steelers coach [[Bill Cowher]] assigned Graham as the starting quarterback for the start of the 2000 season. Despite solid efforts, Graham performed less than impressive, beginning the season 0–3 due to Pittsburgh's defensive weaknesses. In the third game of the season vs. the [[Tennessee Titans]], Graham threw for 254 yards in one of the best offensive showings for the Steelers in over two seasons before injuring his hip late in the game and being replaced by Stewart, who went on to lead the team to two straight victories as Graham recovered. This built a quarterback controversy among fans and media, as many of the Steeler faithful supported Graham ahead of Stewart despite Stewart's recent successes with the team (having led the team to the playoffs twice in his first two full years as starter). However, Graham struggled mightily upon his return to the Steelers and eventually lost whatever playing time he had earned. After platooning with Graham, Stewart returned to the starting position and Graham was cut at the end of the year.


In 2001, he was signed by the Redskins. After initial starter [[Jeff George]] was cut, Graham became the team's second stringer for much of the season. In 2002, Graham was picked in the expansion draft by the Houston Texans to be their third-string quarterback. He never played again.
In 2001, he was signed by the Redskins. After initial starter [[Jeff George]] was cut, Graham became the team's second stringer for much of the season. In 2002, Graham was picked in the expansion draft by the Houston Texans to be their third-string quarterback. He never played again.

==NFL career statistics==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! colspan="3"| Games
! colspan="9"| Passing
! colspan="5"| Rushing
! colspan="2"| Sacked
|-
! {{abbr|GP|Games played}} !! {{abbr|GS|Games started}} !! {{abbr|Record|Record as a starter}} !! {{abbr|Cmp|Passes completed}} !! {{abbr|Att|Passes Attempted}} !! {{abbr|Pct|Completion percentage}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Passing yards}} !! {{abbr|Y/A|Yards per passing attempt}} !! {{abbr|Lng|Longest pass completion}} !! {{abbr|TD|Passing touchdowns}} !! {{abbr|Int|Interceptions}} !! {{abbr|Rtg|Passer rating}} !! {{abbr|Att|Rushing attempts}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Rushing yards}} !! {{abbr|Y/A|Yards per rushing attempt}} !! {{abbr|Lng|Longest rushing attempt}} !! {{abbr|TD|Rushing touchdowns}} !! {{abbr|Sck|Times sacked}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Yards lost due to sacks}}
|-
! [[1992 NFL season|1992]] !! [[1992 New York Giants season|NYG]]
| 6 || 3 || 0–3 || 42 || 97 || 43.3 || 470 || 4.8 || 44 || 1 || 4 || 44.6 || 6 || 36 || '''6.0''' || 15 || 0 || 7 || 49
|-
! [[1993 NFL season|1993]] !! [[1993 New York Giants season|NYG]]
| 9 || 0 || — || 8 || 22 || 36.4 || 79 || 3.6 || 18 || 0 || 0 || 47.3 || 2 || -3 || -1.5 || -1 || 0 || 3 || 28
|-
! [[1994 NFL season|1994]] !! [[1994 New York Giants season|NYG]]
| '''13''' || 1 || 0–1 || 24 || 53 || 45.3 || 295 || 5.6 || 55 || 3 || 2 || 66.2 || 2 || 11 || 5.5 || 9 || 0 || 2 || 22
|-
! [[1996 NFL season|1996]] !! [[1996 Arizona Cardinals season|ARI]]
| 10 || 8 || 4–4 || 146 || '''274''' || 53.3 || 1,624 || 5.9 || 69 || '''12''' || 7 || 75.1 || 21 || 87 || 4.1 || 19 || 0 || 19 || 120
|-
! [[1997 NFL season|1997]] !! [[1997 Arizona Cardinals season|ARI]]
| 8 || 6 || 1–5 || 130 || 250 || 52.0 || 1,408 || 5.6 || 47 || 4 || 5 || 65.9 || 13 || 23 || 1.8 || 10 || '''2''' || 16 || 115
|-
! [[1998 NFL season|1998]] !! [[1998 New York Giants season|NYG]]
| 11 || 6 || 5–1 || 105 || 205 || 51.2 || 1,219 || 5.9 || '''87''' || 7 || 5 || 70.8 || 27 || '''138''' || 5.1 || '''23''' || '''2''' || 12 || 75
|-
! [[1999 NFL season|1999]] !! [[1999 New York Giants season|NYG]]
| 9 || '''9''' || 5–4 || '''160''' || 271 || 59.0 || '''1,697''' || 6.3 || 56 || 9 || '''9''' || 74.6 || '''35''' || 132 || 3.8 || 17 || 1 || '''26''' || '''184'''
|-
! [[2000 NFL season|2000]] !! [[2000 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 12 || 5 || 2–3 || 66 || 148 || 44.6 || 878 || 5.9 || 77 || 1 || 1 || 63.4 || 8 || 7 || 0.9 || 7 || 0 || 13 || 70
|-
! [[2001 NFL season|2001]] !! [[2001 Washington Redskins season|WSH]]
| 3 || 0 || — || 13 || 19 || '''68.4''' || 131 || '''6.9''' || 16 || 2 || 0 || '''122.9''' || 7 || -7 || -1.0 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 16
|-
! colspan="2"| Career !! 81 !! 38 !! 17–21 !! 694 !! 1,339 !! 51.8 !! 7,801 !! 5.8 !! 87 !! 39 !! 33 !! 69.0 !! 121 !! 424 !! 3.5 !! 23 !! 5 !! 100 !! 679
|}

==Personal life==
His son, Taylor Graham, attended the New York Giants rookie minicamp in 2015 tryouts.<ref name="NY Giants website news">{{cite web|title=NY Giants website|url=http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Former-Giants-QB-Kent-Grahams-son-joins-Rookie-Tryouts/7a06ba4a-7c07-457c-b365-b1ce74fbe931|access-date=January 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125134438/http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Former-Giants-QB-Kent-Grahams-son-joins-Rookie-Tryouts/7a06ba4a-7c07-457c-b365-b1ce74fbe931|archive-date=January 25, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> His nephew, [[Bo Richter]], is an outside linebacker for the [[Minnesota Vikings]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lewis |first1=Alec |title=Vikings UDFA signings: 17 thoughts on the 17 post-NFL Draft additions |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5455946/2024/04/29/vikings-nfl-draft-udfa-signings/ |date=29 April 2024 |access-date=23 August 2024}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 52: Line 105:


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40710FF3B590C7A8CDDAD0894DA404482&n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fPeople%2fG%2fGraham%2c%20Kent Graham Signs With the Texans]
*[https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40710FF3B590C7A8CDDAD0894DA404482&n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fPeople%2fG%2fGraham%2c%20Kent Graham Signs With the Texans]
*[http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10F12F83E590C738DDDA00894D1494D81&n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fPeople%2fG%2fGraham%2c%20Kent No. 1 Quarterback Handles 2d-String Question]
*[https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10F12F83E590C738DDDA00894D1494D81&n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fPeople%2fG%2fGraham%2c%20Kent No. 1 Quarterback Handles 2d-String Question]
*[http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30F15F83A5A0C728DDDAB0894D8404482&n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fPeople%2fG%2fGraham%2c%20Kent Graham, Released by Giants, Feels the Best Man Didn't Win]
*[https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30F15F83A5A0C728DDDAB0894D8404482&n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fPeople%2fG%2fGraham%2c%20Kent Graham, Released by Giants, Feels the Best Man Didn't Win]
*[http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20717FC34550C7A8EDDA10894D8404482&n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fPeople%2fG%2fGraham%2c%20Kent Steelers' Graham To Replace Stewart]
*[https://www.nytimes.com/2000/08/29/sports/plus-nfl-camps-steelers-graham-to-replace-stewart.html Steelers' Graham To Replace Stewart]

{{s-start}}
{{succession box | title=Ohio State Buckeyes <br /> starting quarterbacks <br /> 1991 | before=[[Greg Frey]] | after=[[Kirk Herbstreit]] |years=}}
{{s-end}}


{{1988 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football navbox}}
{{1988 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football navbox}}
{{Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback navbox}}
{{Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback navbox}}
{{Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback navbox}}
{{Giants1992DraftPicks}}
{{Giants1992DraftPicks}}
Line 68: Line 118:
{{Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback navbox}}
{{Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback navbox}}


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
| NAME = Graham, Kent
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Graham, Kent Douglas
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = American football player
| DATE OF BIRTH = November 1, 1968
| PLACE OF BIRTH = Winfield, Illinois
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Graham, Kent}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Graham, Kent}}
[[Category:1968 births]]
[[Category:1968 births]]
Line 91: Line 132:
[[Category:Washington Redskins players]]
[[Category:Washington Redskins players]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Wheaton, Illinois]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Wheaton, Illinois]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Illinois]]
[[Category:Players of American football from DuPage County, Illinois]]

Latest revision as of 05:01, 24 December 2024

Kent Graham
No. 10, 11
Position:Quarterback
Personal information
Born: (1968-11-01) November 1, 1968 (age 56)
Winfield, Illinois, U.S.
Height:6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:231 lb (105 kg)
Career information
High school:Wheaton North (Wheaton, Illinois)
College:Ohio State
NFL draft:1992 / round: 8 / pick: 211
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics
Passing attempts:1,339
Passing completions:694
Completion percentage:51.8
TD–INT:39–33
Passing yards:7,801
Passer rating:69.0
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Kent Douglas Graham (born November 1, 1968) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish before transferring to the Ohio State Buckeyes. After college, Graham had a lengthy career in the NFL with the New York Giants in two separate stints, as well as starting for the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He finished his career in 2002 with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Early life

[edit]

Graham attended Wheaton North High School in Wheaton, Illinois, where he was awarded the National High School Quarterback of the Year honor by The National Quarterback Club in 1986. Recruited by Notre Dame, he won his first career start for the Irish as a freshman against Boston College in 1987. However, the option-run offense implemented by coach Lou Holtz was an imperfect fit for the drop-back passer, and after his sophomore year he transferred to Ohio State, where he was the starter for the 1991 campaign in which the Buckeyes finished 8–4.

Professional career

[edit]

Graham began his NFL career with the Giants in 1992, after the team selected him in the eighth round of that year's NFL draft.[1] Due to injuries to starters Phil Simms and Jeff Hostetler, Graham was forced into the starting lineup and started three games before he too was injured. He stayed with the team for two more years, only getting one more start, before leaving to play with the Detroit Lions in 1995. After not seeing any action, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals in 1996, where he eventually became the team's starting quarterback. In two separate stints as Cardinals quarterback, Graham threw for a combined 3,032 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

Graham returned to the Giants in 1998 to serve as backup to Danny Kanell, who had led the team to the NFC East title the previous year. He moved into the starting lineup in Week 12 after Kanell had led the Giants to a 3–7 record in the first ten games. Graham led the Giants to two wins in his first three starts, then secured a major upset over the then-undefeated and eventual Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos in Week 15 by throwing a late touchdown pass to Amani Toomer to clinch the victory. Graham finished the season 5–1 as the team's starter, and won his final four starts.

Graham started the 1999 season as the starter ahead of offseason acquisition Kerry Collins. He held a winning record in his nine starts, finishing 5–4, but struggled most of the year. After back-to-back ineffective performances he was benched during a Week 11 game against the Washington Redskins in favor of Collins. He did not see another snap as a Giant. Graham was released during the off-season (February 10, 2000) due to his lack of consistency and to create room under the salary cap.

In February 2000 Graham was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers on a $5.1 million deal over three years to replace Mike Tomczak, who had been released in the off-season, as the backup for Kordell Stewart. In the wake of Stewart, who was having to cope with drastic changes to the offensive team members (including Tomczak, who had served as his mentor), having a mediocre 1999 season and a competitive first training camp, Steelers coach Bill Cowher assigned Graham as the starting quarterback for the start of the 2000 season. Despite solid efforts, Graham performed less than impressive, beginning the season 0–3 due to Pittsburgh's defensive weaknesses. In the third game of the season vs. the Tennessee Titans, Graham threw for 254 yards in one of the best offensive showings for the Steelers in over two seasons before injuring his hip late in the game and being replaced by Stewart, who went on to lead the team to two straight victories as Graham recovered. This built a quarterback controversy among fans and media, as many of the Steeler faithful supported Graham ahead of Stewart despite Stewart's recent successes with the team (having led the team to the playoffs twice in his first two full years as starter). However, Graham struggled mightily upon his return to the Steelers and eventually lost whatever playing time he had earned. After platooning with Graham, Stewart returned to the starting position and Graham was cut at the end of the year.

In 2001, he was signed by the Redskins. After initial starter Jeff George was cut, Graham became the team's second stringer for much of the season. In 2002, Graham was picked in the expansion draft by the Houston Texans to be their third-string quarterback. He never played again.

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Year Team Games Passing Rushing Sacked
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Y/A Lng TD Int Rtg Att Yds Y/A Lng TD Sck Yds
1992 NYG 6 3 0–3 42 97 43.3 470 4.8 44 1 4 44.6 6 36 6.0 15 0 7 49
1993 NYG 9 0 — 8 22 36.4 79 3.6 18 0 0 47.3 2 -3 -1.5 -1 0 3 28
1994 NYG 13 1 0–1 24 53 45.3 295 5.6 55 3 2 66.2 2 11 5.5 9 0 2 22
1996 ARI 10 8 4–4 146 274 53.3 1,624 5.9 69 12 7 75.1 21 87 4.1 19 0 19 120
1997 ARI 8 6 1–5 130 250 52.0 1,408 5.6 47 4 5 65.9 13 23 1.8 10 2 16 115
1998 NYG 11 6 5–1 105 205 51.2 1,219 5.9 87 7 5 70.8 27 138 5.1 23 2 12 75
1999 NYG 9 9 5–4 160 271 59.0 1,697 6.3 56 9 9 74.6 35 132 3.8 17 1 26 184
2000 PIT 12 5 2–3 66 148 44.6 878 5.9 77 1 1 63.4 8 7 0.9 7 0 13 70
2001 WSH 3 0 — 13 19 68.4 131 6.9 16 2 0 122.9 7 -7 -1.0 0 0 2 16
Career 81 38 17–21 694 1,339 51.8 7,801 5.8 87 39 33 69.0 121 424 3.5 23 5 100 679

Personal life

[edit]

His son, Taylor Graham, attended the New York Giants rookie minicamp in 2015 tryouts.[2] His nephew, Bo Richter, is an outside linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings.[3]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "1992 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  2. ^ "NY Giants website". Archived from the original on January 25, 2016. Retrieved January 27, 2016.
  3. ^ Lewis, Alec (April 29, 2024). "Vikings UDFA signings: 17 thoughts on the 17 post-NFL Draft additions". The New York Times. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kent_Graham&oldid=1264919670"