Corey Graham
A native of Buffalo, Corey Graham was a three-sport athlete at Turner Carroll High School, but it was on the gridiron where he truly excelled. He earned three straight All-Catholic selections and he also received All-Western New York and All-State honors.
Graham continued his football career at the University of New Hampshire. In his freshman season he made nine starts and he recorded three interceptions for the Wildcats. During his college career, he grabbed 12 interceptions in total, including three for touchdowns. As a kick returner, he averaged 27.5 yards per return in his final two seasons with a pair of touchdowns. He was a team captain and earned two all-conference selections, including Atlantic 10 First Team All-Conference honors following his junior year. When he graduated, he was the only Wildcat ever to record touchdowns on an interception, kick and punt return in a career.
He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 2007 draft and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2011.
He later joined Baltimore and played a key role for the Ravens in their run to the Super Bowl. In the 2012 Divisional Playoff Game against the Denver Broncos that season, he grabbed two game-changing interceptions against Peyton Manning. The first was a 39-yard pick six, and his second interception of the game occurred in overtime and led to a Ravens game-winning field goal, advancing the team to the AFC championship game. He also added eight tackles in that game, and was named the CBS player of the game. Graham and the Ravens went on to win Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers in New Orleans.
Graham captured his second championship ring with the Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl LII. In that game he recorded 5 tackles and 3 assists, as the Eagles beat the New England Patriots in Minnesota.
In total, he played 184 games over 12 seasons with the Bears, Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and Eagles and he grabbed 18 interceptions during that span.
Today, as the founder of the Corey Graham Elite Academy, he works with area youth to instill the values and drive to obtain a successful career and build a legacy.