A video emerged recently that saw Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields dump water as a prank on somebody sleeping on a coach. That was Thomas Graham Jr., the former Bears 6th round pick and current Cleveland Browns cornerback. It was a funny video but also a puzzling one. Of all the current or former teammates Fields could be hanging out with, Graham was not somebody people would’ve guessed. It turns out their friendship goes back a couple of years.
Graham appeared on the Bring The Juice podcast with Frank Dalena to discuss his journey through college and the NFL thus far. The subject eventually got to his time in Chicago. Never were things tougher for him than the 2021 season. He went into the year as the projected starter at nickel corner. Then on the first play of training camp, he got injured. That landed him back on the practice squad. Graham grew depressed. However, teammates kept up his spirits. None more so than his new quarterback, Fields.
He told the story of how the friendship really grew ahead of a big road game in Seattle.
Thomas Graham still treasures his relationship with Fields.
That is evident from the two working together in the off-season. While the regime change last off-season ended his hopes of staying in Chicago, the strong finish to 2021 enabled Graham to sign with the Cleveland Browns. He appeared in seven games last season, six on special teams and one as a rotational option on defense. His five solo tackles were a big part of the Browns’ 23-17 win over Tampa Bay. While he still hasn’t reached the heights he feels he is capable of, his confidence remains strong.
Fields is a big reason for that. The Bears quarterback has been consistent in his support since they first met. It is another reminder of his natural leadership ability. It even extends to former teammates. This is why you can’t find anybody with a bad thing to say about the guy. Thomas Graham sounds ready to have his back at the end of the world if necessary. Stories like this are always cool. It is a reminder that friendships in the NFL aren’t limited to specific sides of the ball.
