{"id":281877,"date":"2026-05-23T09:56:11","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T09:56:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/281877\/"},"modified":"2026-05-23T09:56:11","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T09:56:11","slug":"memorial-day-miami-former-nfl-star-jimmy-graham-flies-f-16","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/281877\/","title":{"rendered":"Memorial Day Miami: Former NFL star Jimmy Graham flies F-16"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"NFL<\/p>\n

NFL legend Jimmy Graham gets ready to fly with Maj. Samuel \u201cRaZZ\u201d Larson as a civilian passenger in the backseat of a Thunderbirds F-16 Fighting Falcon during a practice flight at the Homestead Air Reserve Base, on Friday, May 22, 2026.<\/p>\n

Pedro Portal<\/p>\n

pportal@miamiherald.com<\/p>\n

Former NFL tight end Jimmy Graham<\/a> suited up in a flight suit with \u201cThunderbird VIP\u201d stitched across his shoulder Friday before taking off in a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon over South Florida.<\/p>\n

The flight was part of the Air Force Thunderbirds\u2019 Hometown Hero program, which gives selected honorees the opportunity to fly in an F-16 as thanks for their service and dedication to their communities. The program is in Miami for the Hyundai Air & Sea Show, which takes place Saturday and Sunday on Miami Beach.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the greatest day of my life,\u201d Graham said before putting on his helmet. \u201cFootball is cool. This is cooler.\u201d<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Jets will roar above South Beach on Memorial Day weekend. Here\u2019s what to know<\/a><\/p>\n

Graham was selected this year for his philanthropic work through the Jimmy Graham Foundation<\/a> and his efforts supporting veterans, particularly those living with post-traumatic stress disorder. A licensed pilot himself, Graham has used aviation experiences to help veterans find healing and purpose through flight.<\/p>\n

\"Sovan Sovan Din (far right), dedicated crew chief, finalizes details with Maj. Samuel \u201cRaZZ\u201d Larson and NFL star Jimmy Graham, who is flying as a civilian passenger in the backseat of a Thunderbirds F-16 Fighting Falcon, during a practice flight ahead of the Hyundai Air & Sea Show over Memorial Day weekend. Pedro Portal pportal@miamiherald.com <\/p>\n

A North Carolina native and former standout at University of Miami, Graham played one season of football for the Hurricanes after playing basketball at Miami. He later emerged as one of the top tight end prospects in the 2010 NFL Draft and built a long NFL career, primarily with the New Orleans Saints.<\/p>\n

Graham flew with Maj. Samuel \u201cRaZZ\u201d Larson, Thunderbird 8, for more than an hour over Miami Beach before landing at Homestead Air Reserve Base.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs Thunderbirds, our mission is to recruit, retain and inspire,\u201d said Capt. Hannah Durbin, Thunderbird 12 and the team\u2019s public affairs officer. \u201cWe hope we do that by people watching the jets on the beach, but we\u2019re also looking to create advocates in spaces that are really valuable and to give back. Being able to fly hometown heroes in each location allows us to say, \u2018Thank you for your service to our country.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

In 2014, Graham spent a week in Afghanistan building relationships with deployed troops. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he partnered with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors to virtually surprise families of fallen service members. He has also flown Purple Heart recipients, including a Vietnam veteran pilot who had not been in a helicopter since losing his leg in combat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe live in such a great country with so many opportunities,\u201d Graham said. \u201cI was blessed enough because I live here \u2026 so it all started really with me trying to give a gift back to this great country.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Maj. Maj. Samuel \u201cRaZZ\u201d Larson (right) discusses the flight plan with NFL star Jimmy Graham at the Homestead Air Reserve Base on Friday, May 22, 2026. Pedro Portal pportal@miamiherald.com <\/p>\n

Most recently, the Jimmy Graham Foundation partnered with the fifth annual Operation 300 Frogman Shoot to raise money for immediate relatives of fallen U.S. service members.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fact that we can partner with him to inspire people and give back \u2014 it\u2019s perfect,\u201d Durbin said.<\/p>\n

During the flight, Graham experienced several aerial maneuvers as the Thunderbirds practiced routines ahead of the weekend air show.<\/p>\n

\"Thunderbirds Thunderbirds F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off during a practice flight as part of the Air Force\u2019s \u201cHometown Hero\u201d program ahead of the Hyundai Air & Sea Show over Memorial Day weekend. Pedro Portal pportal@miamiherald.com <\/p>\n

The Thunderbirds spent Friday rehearsing their performance for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend shows. The free event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Organizers recommend viewing areas between First and 10th streets and 13th and 20th streets on Miami Beach.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would do this every day if I could,\u201d Graham said. \u201cThat\u2019s what I was telling the guys up there. It\u2019s like, how blessed are you guys to be able to come up here and apply these impressive displays?\u201d<\/p>\n

\"NFL NFL star Jimmy Graham talks with demonstration pilots after their flight with him flying as a civilian passenger in the backseat of Maj. Samuel \u201cRaZZ\u201d Larson\u2019s Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcon during a practice flight on Friday, May 22, 2026. Pedro Portal pportal@miamiherald.com