Former Packers tight end Jimmy Graham named chairman of EAA's Young Eagles during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

OSHKOSH – A former Green Bay Packers tight end is taking up another position full time.

One-time NFL All-Pro Jimmy Graham has been given an elevation of sorts, having moved from co-chairman to the sole chairman of EAA’s Young Eagles Program .

Graham’s full-time appointment was announced during Tuesday’s slate of events at EAA AirVenture following the transition of fellow co-chairman Sean Tucker.

“There is so much in aviation that can serve as inspiration and motivation for everyone, and especially young people,” Graham said in a news release.

“I’ve seen it in the faces of kids I’ve flown, as they understand perhaps for the first time that these dreams are possible for them.

“Young Eagles is a superb platform to bring that message to even more young people, and I’m eager to continue,” he added.

Graham is no stranger to the aviation world as an experienced aerobatic and helicopter pilot who flies a variety of airplanes and his own Huey helicopter.

In 2018, Graham was named co-chairman of the Young Eagles Program — an initiative that has introduced more than 2.3 million young people to aviation through free introductory flights conducted by EAA-member pilot volunteers.

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“Jimmy Graham has been dedicated to aviation and especially introducing others to flight over the past several years, including as Young Eagles co-chair,” said EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board Jack Pelton.

“We are very appreciative that Jimmy accepted our invitation to lead Young Eagles and bring his inspiring story to young people as an example of focus and achievement.”

A five-time Pro Bowler, Graham has enjoyed a Hall of Fame-caliber career with 719 receptions, 8,545 yards and 89 touchdowns — fourth all-time among NFL tight ends.

The 37-year-old spent two years in Green Bay (2018-2019) but is best known as being one of Drew Brees’ favorite targets during his time in New Orleans (2010-2014), where he was named a first-team All-Pro.

Graham is a free agent after re-signing with the Saints last season on a one-year deal.

He's hardly the first luminary to chair the program, as legendary actor Clifford Robertson ― an accomplished aviator in his own right ― served as the Young Eagles founding chairman in the early 1990s.

Fellow iconic actor Harrison Ford (2004-2009) followed in Robertson's footsteps before Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles , the pilots who landed U.S. Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River, took up the mantle.

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Tucker, who was honored on Thursday during EAA’s The Gathering fundraiser, said: “While my passion for bringing people into aviation will continue, Jimmy is the perfect person to advance the legacy established by 30 years of Young Eagles chairmen.

“He has discovered, as I did, the absolute magic in taking a young person up for a flight and seeing that sense of discovery.”

AirVenture runs through July 28.

The 71st EAA AirVenture Oshkosh runs daily through July 28 at Wittman Regional Airport, 525 W. 20th Ave., Oshkosh. Daily tickets are $45 for adult members and $63 for adult non-members. Veterans and active military members pay $45 while kids 18 years and younger are admitted free. For more information, go to https://www.eaa.org/airventure .

Contact Justin Marville at jmarville@gannett.com .

This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Former Packers tight end Jimmy Graham named chairman of EAA's Young Eagles during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh