Former NFL star takes flight with Air Force Thunderbirds ahead of Air & Sea Show
Former NFL tight end Jimmy Graham suited up in a flight suit with “Thunderbird VIP” stitched across his shoulder Friday before taking off in a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon over South Florida.
The flight was part of the Air Force Thunderbirds’ 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.
“This is the greatest day of my life,” Graham said before putting on his helmet. “Football is cool. This is cooler.”
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Graham was selected this year for his philanthropic work through the Jimmy Graham Foundation 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.
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.
Graham flew with Maj. Samuel “RaZZ” Larson, Thunderbird 8, for more than an hour over Miami Beach before landing at Homestead Air Reserve Base.
“As Thunderbirds, our mission is to recruit, retain and inspire,” said Capt. Hannah Durbin, Thunderbird 12 and the team’s public affairs officer. “We hope we do that by people watching the jets on the beach, but we’re 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, ‘Thank you for your service to our country.’”
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.
“We live in such a great country with so many opportunities,” Graham said. “I was blessed enough because I live here … so it all started really with me trying to give a gift back to this great country.”
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.
“The fact that we can partner with him to inspire people and give back — it’s perfect,” Durbin said.
During the flight, Graham experienced several aerial maneuvers as the Thunderbirds practiced routines ahead of the weekend air show.
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.
“I would do this every day if I could,” Graham said. “That’s what I was telling the guys up there. It’s like, how blessed are you guys to be able to come up here and apply these impressive displays?”
This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 5:00 AM.