Thomas Graham Jr. Bio
Thomas Graham Jr. (born June 26, 1999) is an American professional football cornerback who currently plays for the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League. He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft after a standout college career at the University of Oregon. Throughout his professional career, Graham has demonstrated his versatility and resilience, appearing in games for multiple NFL franchises while continuing to develop as a defensive back.
Early Life and Background
Thomas Graham Jr. was born on June 26, 1999, in Rancho Cucamonga, California. He is the son of Thomas Graham Sr. and Tamisha Graham. His athletic journey began at Roosevelt High School in Corona, California, before he transferred to Rancho Cucamonga High School in his hometown. This move positioned him to compete in California’s competitive high school football environment while being scouted by college programs across the nation.
During his high school career, Graham established himself as a highly regarded defensive prospect. His performance on the field attracted attention from major college football programs, leading to recruitment interest from several prestigious universities. His combination of speed, instincts, and coverage ability made him an appealing prospect for programs seeking defensive backs with college-ready skills.
Path to Professional Football
Graham’s recruitment process took him through multiple stages before he found his college destination. He received scholarship offers from several major programs, including Notre Dame and Nebraska. In July 2015, Graham initially committed to the University of Southern California, one of the Pac-12 Conference’s premier football programs. However, after reconsidering his options during the following summer, he de-committed from USC and reopened his recruitment.
In December 2016, Graham made his college commitment, choosing Oregon over other suitors. The decision was influenced significantly by then-head coach Willie Taggart, who was building the Ducks program into a Pac-12 contender. This commitment marked the beginning of Graham’s journey toward becoming a professional athlete, as he prepared to compete at the highest level of college football in the Pac-12 Conference.
Thomas Graham Jr. Career
College Career at Oregon (2017–2020)
Graham arrived at the University of Oregon in 2017 and immediately made an impact as a freshman. He started 12 of the Ducks’ 13 games, recording 49 solo tackles and three interceptions. His production and reliability as a true freshman demonstrated his readiness for major college competition and earned him a prominent role in Oregon’s defensive secondary.
His sophomore season in 2018 saw Graham continue his strong play, registering 47 solo tackles and three interceptions. The consistency in his tackling and ball-skills established him as a reliable defender in the Pac-12. As a junior in 2019, he again recorded 47 solo tackles and added two interceptions, including one in the 2020 Rose Bowl, a prestigious New Year’s Six bowl game that showcased his big-game ability.
Overall at Oregon, Graham appeared in 40 games while accumulating 143 solo tackles, 39 assisted tackles, eight interceptions, and one forced fumble. His eight career interceptions highlighted his playmaking ability in the secondary. In September 2020, with the Pac-12 Conference football season seemingly canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Graham made the decision to opt out of his senior season and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft. In November 2020, he accepted an invitation to participate in the January 2021 Senior Bowl, a premier postseason all-star game that allowed him to showcase his skills against top college prospects in front of NFL scouts and executives.
Chicago Bears (2021–2022)
Graham was selected by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round, 228th overall, in the 2021 NFL Draft. On June 2, 2021, he signed his four-year rookie contract with the Bears. His first professional season involved navigating the challenges faced by late-round draft picks, as he was waived on August 31, 2021, and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. The Bears later elevated Graham to their active roster after their secondary was depleted by injuries and COVID-19 complications.
Graham made his NFL debut on December 20, 2021, against the Minnesota Vikings. Playing every defensive snap in that game, he recorded seven tackles and three pass breakups, demonstrating his readiness for NFL competition. His performance earned him a promotion to the active roster the next day, a significant milestone for the sixth-round rookie. On August 30, 2022, Graham was waived by the Bears and re-signed to the practice squad the following day, ultimately ending his tenure with the organization that drafted him.
Cleveland Browns (2022–2023)
On September 13, 2022, Graham was signed by the Cleveland Browns off the Bears practice squad, giving him an opportunity to continue his NFL career with a new organization. He appeared in games for the Browns during the 2022 season, contributing to their defensive efforts as a member of their secondary. He was waived on October 11, 2022, and re-signed to the practice squad before being promoted back to the active roster on October 31, 2022, reflecting the Browns’ continued interest in his development.
His time with the Browns continued into the 2023 season. On August 4, 2023, Graham was waived/injured by the Browns and placed on injured reserve. He was released from injured reserve on November 28, 2023, ending his tenure with the Browns after more than a year with the organization.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2024)
On January 23, 2024, Graham signed a reserve/futures contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, joining another AFC North franchise in his continuing NFL journey. He worked with the Steelers during the 2024 offseason and preseason. On August 27, 2024, he was waived and re-signed to the practice squad. He was ultimately released from the Steelers practice squad on October 29, 2024, making him available for other teams to sign during the regular season.
Baltimore Ravens (2025–Present)
On August 18, 2025, Graham signed with the Baltimore Ravens, joining one of the NFL’s premier defensive teams. As part of the final roster cuts, he was waived and re-signed to the practice squad the next day. Graham was subsequently waived from the Ravens practice squad on September 3, 2025. Despite these roster fluctuations, his journey with the Ravens represents another opportunity to establish himself in the NFL and contribute to a storied franchise’s defensive success.
Playing Style and Strengths
Graham is a cornerback known for his competitive nature and physical style of play. His career statistics in the NFL include 19 total tackles and four pass deflections, demonstrating his ability to contribute in coverage and against the run. His college tape showed a player with good instincts, solid tackling ability, and the capacity to play multiple coverage concepts. His experience playing in Oregon’s defensive system prepared him to handle various assignments and coverages at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most significant milestone in Graham’s career came during his rookie season with the Chicago Bears. His Week 14 debut against the Minnesota Vikings in 2021 represented a breakthrough moment when he was thrust into significant playing time due to injuries and other circumstances. Playing every defensive snap while recording seven tackles and three pass breakups showcased his ability to contribute immediately when called upon, earning him a spot on the active roster.
Thomas Graham Jr. Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning four seasons with four different teams, Graham has accumulated limited but meaningful statistics as a cornerback. His professional experience includes appearances with the Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Baltimore Ravens. His collegiate career at Oregon provided the foundation for his professional development, with 40 games played, 143 solo tackles, 39 assisted tackles, eight interceptions, and one forced fumble over four seasons.
NFL Career Statistics
Graham’s NFL career statistics reflect his role as a rotational and special teams player rather than a full-time starter through his first four seasons. His ability to stay on NFL rosters across multiple organizations demonstrates his value as a depth player in the secondary. His college production, particularly his eight interceptions at Oregon, indicates the playmaking ability that NFL teams saw potential in when drafting him in 2021.
Thomas Graham Jr. Family
Family Background
Thomas Graham Jr. was born to Thomas Graham Sr. and Tamisha Graham in Rancho Cucamonga, California. His family provided support throughout his football journey from youth leagues through high school and college. The values and guidance from his parents helped shape his approach to athletics and academics during his development as a football player in California’s Inland Empire region.
Personal Life
Graham continues to maintain connections to his California roots while pursuing his professional football career. He engages with fans through social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram, where he shares updates about his football career and personal life. His journey through multiple NFL organizations reflects the challenges many players face in building sustainable careers in professional football, particularly as players drafted in later rounds work to establish themselves in the league.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks Graham’s first with the Baltimore Ravens organization. After signing in August and navigating roster cuts, he joined the Ravens practice squad before being released in early September. This sequence reflects the competitive nature of NFL roster construction and the ongoing challenges players face in securing stable positions on active rosters. The Ravens, known for their strong defensive tradition, provide Graham with an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities if called upon during the season.
Graham’s journey through four NFL teams in five seasons demonstrates his persistence and ability to remain in the league despite roster changes. As he continues his career with the Ravens organization, he works to contribute in any capacity the coaching staff requires, whether on special teams or as a depth cornerback in the secondary. His experience gained through playing time with the Bears and Browns, combined with his collegiate success at Oregon, provides a foundation for continued development as he pursues a more prominent role in the NFL.