Mike Graham (American football)

Michael Nickolas Graham Sr. (April 3, 1923 – July 7, 2003) was an American football player who played at the fullback and halfback positions on both offense and defense. He played college football for Cincinnati and professional football for the Los Angeles Dons.

Mike Graham
No. 85
Position:Fullback, halfback
Personal information
Born:(1923-04-03)April 3, 1923
Warren, Ohio
Died:July 7, 2003 (aged 80)
Warren, Ohio
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:198 lb (90 kg)
Career information
High school:Warren G. Harding (OH)
College:Cincinnati
NFL Draft:1948 / Round: 9 / Pick: 70
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Games:14
Player stats at PFR

Early years

Graham was born in 1923 in Warren, Ohio. He attended and played football at Warren G. Harding High School in Warren.[1]

Military and college football

He played college football for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats in 1942, 1946, and 1947.[1] He played at the fullback and halfback positions on offense and also on defense.[2] He became known as the "Greek Ground Gripper" for his ability to remain on his feet while opponents tried to tackle him.[2][3] His college career was interrupted by service in the United States Navy during World War II.[1]

Professional football

In January 1948, Graham announced that he would not be returning to Cincinnati for the 1948 season.[4] He signed to play professional football with the Los Angeles Dons of the All-America Football Conference in July 1948.[3] during their 1948 season.[5] He also played for the Erie Vets of the American Football League in 1950.[1]

Family and later years

He died in 2003 at age 80 in Warren, Ohio.[5]

References
  1. "Mike Graham". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved April 2, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. "Nolting Rates Graham Better Player Than Hew Was Last Season -- "Greek Ground Gripper" Is Hard To Pull Down By Defensive Tackles". The Cincinnati Enquirer. April 6, 1947. p. 44 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. "Cincy Fullback Signs With Dons". Los Angeles Times. July 4, 1948. p. 11 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. Dick Forbes (January 14, 1948). "Stephens Weighs Offer From Chicago Bears; Graham To Join Pros". The Cincinnati Enquirer. p. 20 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. "Mike Graham States". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
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