Thomas Graham Jr. Bio
Thomas Graham Jr. (born June 26, 1999) is an American professional football cornerback who plays in the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Oregon, where he developed into one of the conference’s most productive defensive backs. Graham was selected by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round, 228th overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft. He has since spent time with the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers and currently plays for the Baltimore Ravens.
Early Life and Background
Thomas Graham Jr. was born on June 26, 1999, in Rancho Cucamonga, California. He is the son of Thomas Graham Sr. and Tamisha Graham. Growing up in the Inland Empire, he developed a strong interest in football and trained alongside several talented young players in the region.
Graham initially attended Roosevelt High School in Corona, California, before transferring to Rancho Cucamonga High School in his hometown. He quickly became one of the most sought-after cornerback prospects in the state. He was recruited by multiple college football programs, including Notre Dame and Nebraska, before committing to USC in July 2015. The following summer, however, he chose to de-commit from the Trojans and reopen his recruitment.
In December 2016, Graham committed to the University of Oregon, aided in part by the efforts of the program’s then-head coach, Willie Taggart. His decision set the stage for a productive college career in the Pac-12 Conference.
Path to American Football
Graham’s path to professional football began in earnest at Oregon, where he made an immediate impact. As a freshman in 2017, he started 12 of the Ducks’ 13 games, recording 49 solo tackles and three interceptions. That debut season established him as a reliable coverage corner and a willing run defender.
Over the next two seasons, Graham continued to produce at a high level. In his 2018 sophomore year, he posted 47 solo tackles and three interceptions. As a junior in 2019, he again tallied 47 solo tackles and added two interceptions, including a memorable pick in the 2020 Rose Bowl. He was also recognized as one of the team’s most durable defensive players.
Across his Oregon career, Graham appeared in 40 games and registered 143 solo tackles, 39 assisted tackles, eight interceptions, and one forced fumble. In September 2020, with the Pac-12 season disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, he opted out of his senior season and declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. He later accepted an invitation to the January 2021 Senior Bowl to further showcase his skills for professional scouts.
Thomas Graham Jr. Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Graham was selected by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round, 228th overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft. On June 2, 2021, he signed his four-year rookie contract with Chicago. He was waived on August 31, 2021, and re-signed to the practice squad the following day as the team evaluated its cornerback depth.
Later that season, the Bears elevated Graham to the active roster after their secondary was hit by injuries and COVID-19. He made his NFL debut on December 20, 2021, against the Minnesota Vikings, playing every defensive snap and finishing with seven tackles and three pass breakups. On August 30, 2022, he was waived by Chicago and returned to the practice squad the next day.
Cleveland Browns Era (2022–2023)
On September 13, 2022, Graham was signed by the Cleveland Browns off the Bears’ practice squad. He was waived on October 11 and re-signed to the practice squad before being promoted back to the active roster on October 31. He contributed as a depth cornerback and on special teams during his time with Cleveland.
On August 4, 2023, Graham was waived/injured by the Browns and placed on injured reserve. He was later released on November 28, 2023, bringing his Cleveland tenure to a close.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2024)
On January 23, 2024, Graham signed a reserve/futures contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was waived on August 27 and re-signed to the practice squad. He was released on October 29, 2024, after a brief stint with the team.
Baltimore Ravens Era (2025–Present)
On August 18, 2025, Graham signed with the Baltimore Ravens. He was waived as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the next day. Graham was then waived from the practice squad on September 3, 2025, as the Ravens finalized their season roster.
Notable Events and Milestones
Graham’s most notable career moment came in his NFL debut against the Minnesota Vikings on December 20, 2021, when he played every defensive snap and recorded seven tackles and three pass breakups. Across his professional career, he has totaled 19 tackles and four pass deflections in regular-season play. He has now appeared with four NFL organizations, reflecting both his resilience and the depth-cornerback role he has embraced.
Thomas Graham Jr. Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Thomas Graham Jr. is the son of Thomas Graham Sr. and Tamisha Graham. The support of his family helped him navigate multiple high school transfers and a national recruiting process before he settled in at Oregon. His parents have remained a steady presence throughout his football journey.
2025 Season Performance
Thomas Graham Jr. entered the 2025 season with the Baltimore Ravens after signing on August 18, 2025. Although he was waived during final roster cuts and moved to the practice squad, his presence in the organization underscored his value as a depth cornerback. His weekly readiness gave the Ravens additional flexibility in their secondary rotation.
Throughout 2025, Graham continued to work within Baltimore’s defensive system, leaning on the fundamentals he developed at Oregon. His experience with the Bears, Browns, and Steelers allowed him to adapt quickly to the Ravens’ scheme. Coaches valued his preparation and his ability to contribute on special teams when called upon.
Looking ahead, Graham remains a candidate to be elevated to the active roster if Baltimore needs additional help in the secondary. His combination of NFL experience, special-teams capability, and familiarity with multiple defensive schemes positions him well for future opportunities in the league.