Jimmy Graham, an NFL All-Pro tight end who has developed a passion for flying comparable to his enthusiasm for football, has been appointed chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) Young Eagles Program. Since 1992, Young Eagles has introduced over 2.3 million young individuals to aviation through complimentary introductory flights conducted by EAA-member pilot volunteers.
The announcement was made during Tuesday evening’s program for Young Eagles volunteers at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Graham succeeds air show legend Sean D. Tucker, who served as Young Eagles chairman since 2013. As he steps into the role of full chairman, Graham becomes the seventh person to hold this position, joining predecessors such as Cliff Robertson, Gen. Chuck Yeager, Harrison Ford, Sully Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles.
“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 Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board. “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.”