Jimmy Graham: 'I see the red zone as my zone'

What is the top asset you can add to the offense?
Jimmy Graham: I think definitely I’ll have some big opportunities in the red zone with such a great running game here. We will try to get the matchups we want by moving me around and using multiple tight end sets. I’m not one to toot my own horn, but I have running ability and leaping ability. For me, that’s always been natural -- the ability to attack the ball in the air. I see the red zone as my zone. I’ve got red hair. That’s the reason they call it the red zone. I just get more confidence down there.

Russell Wilson has been compared to Drew Brees in the past. What similarities do you see now that you’ve been around both of them?
Graham: Truly, my relationship with Russ has been above and beyond my wildest imagination of how close we’ve become since I got here. Drew was like my big brother, but me and Russ are closer in age and it’s like having a twin brother in a lot of ways. The connection for us was immediate and it’s special. He has made my transition so easy because of our bond. On the field, we are just scratching the surface of what we will be able to do.

A couple of Seattle players were critical of you in the past. How do you feel your new teammates have accepted you?
Graham: One of the great things about going to Maui [35 Seahawks doing offseason workouts in April] was for all those guys to see who I am as a person and get to know me, because I’ve started a couple of fights [with Seattle players] before. I’m kind of a chippy player. I honestly play with every emotion I have in my body. Sometimes it comes off as maybe not the nicest person and maybe not the most humble. So it was good for [the Seahawks] to see that I am a humble guy and I’m just here to work. I’m not a selfish person at all. And these are really good guys. When you see them from the outside, you always want to know what is different about this team? Until you get in here, you don’t realize how much of a brotherhood it is and how close everyone is.

This offense is based on the power running game of Marshawn Lynch. Do you feel you can contribute as a blocker, and how can you improve your blocking?
Graham: I’m 270 pounds. For me, that’s been the main focus of this offseason, to get my mind wrapped around this running game. It is a little different. I’ve never been in a read-option system. For me, it’s some different concepts. Their footwork is a lot different than the way I’ve done it, but man, it’s exciting. It’s something new, and the evolution of my game and growing as a player. I think it’s the perfect situation. You have the best running back in the NFL, and I’m excited to be a part of that.


(espn.com)