Jimmy Graham soars over opponents on a regular basis.
So it’s no surprise the Saints tight end is getting some pre-training camp work in at altitude.
Graham has spent part of the last two summers in Steamboat Springs, Colo.
“The week before (training) camp I make sure I’m in Steamboat,”Graham told Luke Graham of the Craig Daily Press. “It’s to get those extra red blood cells. I can tell a big difference.
“Camp in the NFL — what you do in the offseason helps you survive camp.”
Graham lives in Miami in the offseason, and spends plenty of time there working out with former “U” alumni such as Ray Lewis, Andre Johnson and others. The South Florida heat is one thing, as well as the humidity of Metarie, La., where he’ll report to training camp soon.
But heading to the ski resort town has become part of his ritual, for two or three weeks of running and lifting, along with hiking and mountain biking (logging at least three hours and 25 miles a day).
“For me it’s the community. For me I feel like everyone’s mindset here is really outdoor training,” Graham said. “It seems like everyone is working out. Last movie you can watch here is at 8 p.m. People are in bed at 9 p.m. to go hiking at 6 a.m. To be around that is a great atmosphere.”
It’s also great training, and it can’t hurt his progress in becoming one of the best tight ends in the game.