Seattle Seahawks

Jimmy Graham says a lot of people 'didn't believe that I'd come back'

Published Nov. 15, 2016 1:42 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

Jimmy Graham suffered a devastating knee injury last season, rupturing his patellar tendon in November. He battled back, defying all odds to be ready for the start of 2016. He’s played every game this season, and while he got off to a slow start, his production has been off the charts of late.

On Monday night against the Bills, Graham had one of the best games of his career. He caught eight passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns – both of which were with just one hand. He looked like the Jimmy Graham of old that we were accustomed to scoring double-digit touchdowns each year, which is huge for the Seahawks.

His performance has sparked excitement within himself as he’s proved those many doubters wrong.

"I’m excited because a lot of people didn’t believe that I’d come back," Graham said, via ESPN. "A lot of people just didn’t believe that I’d be able to be me again. To go out there and do that [Monday], it means a lot because I put so much work in. When no one was watching, I was in the shadows working."

Russell Wilson is obviously happy to be on the same page as Graham this season, connecting with him for 38 catches and 545 yards – nearly matching last season’s total in three fewer games.

It didn’t come without work, of course.

"Play after play, catch after catch, the catches that he’s making, his grit, his ability to overcome situations and obstacles, it’s a true testament to the character of man that he is and the person that he is," Wilson said.

If the Seahawks can continue to get this sort of production out of Graham, their chances of going far in the playoffs will greatly increase. He’s a huge weapon on offense and a great complement to Doug Baldwin and Seattle’s smaller receivers.