It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Captain White House in Graham, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Graham, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“good service. help was thoughtful and kind. used for several days.”
“Kelly Klein at Always Best was a godsend. She helped us out during a truly”
“Karla Dixon is a wonderful asset to the community and to Always Best Care in”
“Karla dixon is truly a great person for the community. She is compassionate and very”
“Thank you, Carver Living Center (CLC) for the wonderful care the staff provided for my”
“From the outside looking in, you don’t always see the care, patience, and dedication that”
“Always Best Care is hands down your go to for all in home care needs!”
“Seeing the care they provide, I’d highly recommend them to any family in need of”
“Reliable, caring, and professional—Always Best Care is awesome!”
“The staff here are compassionate, professional, and truly go above and beyond. You can tell”
“5 stars all the way—professional, compassionate, and reliable. You can tell they genuinely care!”
“Always Best Care provides excellent services to their community. Impeccable staff and care givers who actually”
“Not only is the care they provide outstanding, but the support from the front office”
“It’s rare to find a company where both the caregivers and the office staff are”
“I had a wonderful experience with Always Best Care Senior Services. Kelly Klein was incredibly”
“Kaitlyn Jones is absolutely the best. Hands down!”
“Quick responses, clear communication, and a very friendly admin team. Everything was handled efficiently and”
“Kelly was super helpful at a time i needed help she had all the answers to my”
“Always Best Care Senior Services is a premier organization.”
“Always Best Care will not disappoint! They truly provide the best service for all of”
“Always Best Care Services has been a wonderful experience, and Leslie Christian was especially helpful”
“These people were amazing.”
“Working with Always Best Care has been an absolute pleasure. As the director of Pathway”
“I Live in Durham, North Carolina. I have low vision and other limitations. I’ve been”
“I recently joined the company as a caregiver! The company itself is amazing the best”
“good service. help was thoughtful and kind. used for several days.”
“Kelly Klein at Always Best was a godsend. She helped us out during a truly scary time for our family and connected us with exactly what we needed. Can't recommend her highly enough!”
“Karla Dixon is a wonderful asset to the community and to Always Best Care in Chapel Hill, NC.”
“Karla dixon is truly a great person for the community. She is compassionate and very helpful.”
“Thank you, Carver Living Center (CLC) for the wonderful care the staff provided for my mother! All of the staff ( nurses, CNAs, PT & OT Staff), administrative staff and food service staff were very kind, caring and respectful. I would recommend CLC to anyone looking for a care facility for their family member(s).”
“From the outside looking in, you don’t always see the care, patience, and dedication that goes into what they do—but it’s there every single day. Truly grateful for a team that goes above and beyond, even when no one’s watching.”
“Always Best Care is hands down your go to for all in home care needs! Top tier team!”
“Seeing the care they provide, I’d highly recommend them to any family in need of in home care! Lots of options, flexibility and accommodations made for those that need it!”
“Reliable, caring, and professional—Always Best Care is awesome!”
“The staff here are compassionate, professional, and truly go above and beyond. You can tell they genuinely care about their clients and their families.”
“5 stars all the way—professional, compassionate, and reliable. You can tell they genuinely care!”
“Always Best Care provides excellent services to their community. Impeccable staff and care givers who actually care!”
“Not only is the care they provide outstanding, but the support from the front office is just as impressive. It’s comforting knowing you can call and talk to someone who genuinely cares and helps guide you through everything.”
“It’s rare to find a company where both the caregivers and the office staff are this compassionate. From day one, the entire team made us feel comfortable and answered so many of our questions with guidance.”
“I had a wonderful experience with Always Best Care Senior Services. Kelly Klein was incredibly supportive. She helped us find the right resources and solutions, and we truly felt supported every step of the way. We’re so grateful for her help.”
“Kaitlyn Jones is absolutely the best. Hands down!”
“Quick responses, clear communication, and a very friendly admin team. Everything was handled efficiently and professionally.”
“Kelly was super helpful at a time i needed help she had all the answers to my questions and made me feel heard I can move forward with the decisions i need to make in the future Thank You for the support”
“Always Best Care Senior Services is a premier organization.”
“Always Best Care will not disappoint! They truly provide the best service for all of your in home care needs!”
“Always Best Care Services has been a wonderful experience, and Leslie Christian was especially helpful throughout the process. She was kind, professional, and took the time to answer questions and make everything feel easy and comfortable. It’s clear that she truly cares and wants to provide the best support possible. I would definitely recommend Always Best Care Services to anyone looking for dependable and compassionate care.”
“These people were amazing.”
“Working with Always Best Care has been an absolute pleasure. As the director of Pathway Community Living, I’ve had the opportunity to work with them when coordinating housing for clients, and every interaction has been nothing short of excellent. Their team is incredibly professional, organized, and easy to communicate with. I work most closely with Karla and Leslie, and I can’t say enough good things about them. Their communication is top tier, they’re always responsive, and they make the coordination process smooth and stress free. It’s rare to find partners who are both this professional and this genuinely kind. I truly appreciate the partnership and look forward to continuing to work with this amazing team.”
“I Live in Durham, North Carolina. I have low vision and other limitations. I’ve been working Always Best for a couple of months now. Jordyn is doing a wonderful job! She is able to clean to cook to go through the mail with me. Recently, she filled out some challenging forms. She’s taking notes for me at a medical appointment. She also has a generous nature! Always, Best chooses well and is reliable!”
“I recently joined the company as a caregiver! The company itself is amazing the best part is being able to give amazing care and meet amazing people. From the family to the furry friends! If I could choose any other company I wouldn’t I will always choose always best care !”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Graham Regional Park in Graham, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Passion Fusion Grille or visit Graham Historical Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Graham, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Graham, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Graham, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Volleyball Recap: Tough Loss for the Hawbridge SchoolTeam ReportsVolleyball Recap: The Hawbridge School Herons vs. Ascend Leadership Academy Aviators`Volleyball Preview: The Hawbridge School Hits the Road Again, Where Wins Have Been Hard to Come By + How To WatchTeam ReportsVolleyball Preview: The Hawbridge School Hits the Road Again, Where Wins Have Been Hard to Come By + How To WatchVolleyball Preview: The Hawbridge School Herons vs. Chatham Charter KnightsOn Thursday, Sep 17, 2026, the The Hawbrid...
Volleyball Recap: Tough Loss for the Hawbridge School
Team Reports
Volleyball Recap: The Hawbridge School Herons vs. Ascend Leadership Academy Aviators`
Volleyball Preview: The Hawbridge School Hits the Road Again, Where Wins Have Been Hard to Come By + How To Watch
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Volleyball Preview: The Hawbridge School Hits the Road Again, Where Wins Have Been Hard to Come By + How To WatchVolleyball Preview: The Hawbridge School Herons vs. Chatham Charter Knights
On Thursday, Sep 17, 2026, the The Hawbridge School Varsity Girls Volleyball team lost their match against Ascend Leadership Academy High School by a score of 0-3.
On Tuesday, Sep 15, 2026, the The Hawbridge School Varsity Girls Volleyball team lost their match against Woods Charter High School by a score of 0-3.
Volleyball Recap: The Hawbridge School Now 2-1 Since Losing 5 Straight
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Volleyball Recap: The Hawbridge School Herons vs. Southern Wake Academy Lions
On Thursday, Sep 10, 2026, the The Hawbridge School Varsity Girls Volleyball team won their match against Southern Wake Academy High School by a score of 3-0.
Volleyball Preview: Two Teams Coming off Routs: the Hawbridge School and Southern Wake Academy Try to Reset
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Volleyball Preview: The Hawbridge School Herons vs. Southern Wake Academy Lions
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On Tuesday, Sep 8, 2026, the The Hawbridge School Varsity Girls Volleyball team lost their match against River Mill Academy High School by a score of 0-3.
Volleyball Preview: The Hawbridge School Arrives off a Win While River Mill Academy Is Looking to Bounce Back + How To Watch
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Volleyball Recap: The Hawbridge School Herons vs. Haw River Christian Academy Archers
On Thursday, Sep 3, 2026, the The Hawbridge School Varsity Girls Volleyball team won their match against Haw River Christian Academy High School by a score of 3-0.
Volleyball Recap: The Hawbridge School Falls to Central Carolina Academy
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Volleyball Recap: The Hawbridge School Herons vs. Central Carolina Academy Eagles
Stats have been entered for the The Hawbridge School vs. Central Carolina Academy on Tuesday, Sep. 1, 2026.
On Tuesday, Sep 1, 2026, the The Hawbridge School Varsity Girls Volleyball team lost their match against Central Carolina Academy High School by a score of 1-3.
Volleyball Recap: Tough Loss for the Hawbridge School
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Volleyball Recap: The Hawbridge School Herons vs. Chatham Charter Knights
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Volleyball Recap: The Hawbridge School Herons vs. Ascend Leadership Academy Aviators`
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GRAHAM, N.C. — Paul Crotts isn’t on the field these days. The only play he’s calling is what to display in the front window of his furniture store, but the excitement of the Friday night lights still lives in his heart.“That was my team back in the day, and we were inducted into the Graham Sports Hall of Fame,” said Crotts, owner of Graham Furniture Mart.Crotts played guard for Graham’s football team back in the 1960s. He wore No. 64 and helped guide the Red Devils to a state championship in ...
GRAHAM, N.C. — Paul Crotts isn’t on the field these days. The only play he’s calling is what to display in the front window of his furniture store, but the excitement of the Friday night lights still lives in his heart.
“That was my team back in the day, and we were inducted into the Graham Sports Hall of Fame,” said Crotts, owner of Graham Furniture Mart.
Crotts played guard for Graham’s football team back in the 1960s. He wore No. 64 and helped guide the Red Devils to a state championship in 1966.
His playing days may be over, but his connection to the team isn’t by his sponsoring the team’s athletics over the years. Word that the school won’t field a varsity team this year is tough to hear.
“I wasn't surprised, but yet I was surprised because I know they had been struggling,” Crotts said.
Graham Athletic Director Kenroy Wallace said just 18 players attended summer workouts. Most are underclassmen.
In a statement, Wallace called the news “disappointing,” and said the school is prioritizing “the health, safety and physical well-being of student athletes.”
Wallace says the school worried that forcing mostly freshmen and sophomores to play varsity games “against larger, older and more physically developed teams creates an unacceptable safety risk and increases the likelihood of injury.”
Instead, the kids who came to camp will play on a junior varsity team. Per North Carolina High School Athletic Association rules, that makes them ineligible to transfer to another varsity program. The commissioner says the association supports schools that prioritize safety.
“I would love to see them get back on track and get a good football team because that brings the community together, high school together, camaraderie with the students,” Crotts said.
Crotts says he’ll be there to support the JV. team and can count on seeing him in the stands when varsity returns.
Graham will hold a team meeting for players and their families on August 24 at the school to discuss the upcoming schedule and goals. Another Triad high school, High Point Central, will also only field a junior varsity team this upcoming season.
Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.
After being drafted by Buffalo in 2012 and spending two seasons and the 2014 training camp with the Bills, TJ Graham discovered it wasn't going to be an easy journey to eventually stay in the AFC East by joining the Jets."I remember talking to my parents and being like, 'Hey, made the team.' And then within like an hour or so after the deadline, I got a phone call, 'Hey, come on over.' They ended up releasing me, and I end up getting claimed off waivers by the Titans," Graham said."So I went to Nashville and trie...
After being drafted by Buffalo in 2012 and spending two seasons and the 2014 training camp with the Bills, TJ Graham discovered it wasn't going to be an easy journey to eventually stay in the AFC East by joining the Jets.
"I remember talking to my parents and being like, 'Hey, made the team.' And then within like an hour or so after the deadline, I got a phone call, 'Hey, come on over.' They ended up releasing me, and I end up getting claimed off waivers by the Titans," Graham said.
"So I went to Nashville and tried to learn a new system, and the Titans were not very good. Injuries were killing them. I was the lowest man on the totem pole. So anytime somebody got hurt, they had to make a decision. I just happened to be the decision they made to accommodate the injury and found myself out of a job, but also a really good football player still.
"I did a number of tryout workouts after that and when I got to try out for the Jets, I remember running my 40, and I guess my speed was definitely one of the key factors in my play. Rex Ryan was like, 'Yep, that's all I need. Y'all got this.' And he just walked. He left.
"And I remember (special teams) Coach Thomas McGaughey said, 'We just want to see you catch some punts.' So I went and caught some punts and did the little waiting game, and then I realized that I was staying in New Jersey. I was going to play."
A special teams standout at North Carolina State, Graham was used primarily as a wide receiver in the NFL. However, in his first game as a Jet – Week 5 in San Diego – he'd have to make an unexpected withdrawal from his college memory bank.
"I had just gotten there that week and I had a few gadget plays that didn't work out," Graham said. "But one of the defensive backs on the (special teams) depth chart actually went down and I was on the depth chart as a number two, but nowhere close to understanding that I would have to go in the game.
"He went down, and it opened up four spots for me to go into – kickoff, kick return, punt, and punt return. So I became a gunner on punt. I became a jammer on punt return. I became a cover guy, the backside, on kickoff. And I became a front-line block on kick return. My role completely switched from primarily being a No. 2, 3, or 4 receiver to being maybe the No. 4, 5, or 6 receiver and having a significant role on special teams."
Once Graham was able to spend more time with his new teammates than from sitting on a plane for cross-country flights to Southern California and back, he found that despite wins being hard to come by, he was part of a special team.
"That team was filled with some significant veteran players that I had watched over time. We had Chris Johnson on that team, Chris Ivory on that team, Michael Vick was on that team," Graham said. "Michael Vick was my locker neighbor, so I got to talk to him every single day.
"So could you imagine, growing up being a huge college football fan and being in ACC country but also being in very close proximity to (Vick's alma mater) Virginia Tech, and then getting a chance to play with one of the greatest football players to ever play…
"We even signed Percy Harvin later in the year. So I'm like, 'Dude, there's a who's who around here of really good talent.' I wish we had won out and done better, but it was just cool to see and be around."
The locker room neighbors also connected on the practice field during the season when Vick was the backup to Geno Smith and Graham was getting second-team reps at receiver. That carried over to New York's Week 10 game against Pittsburgh when they connected on a 67-yard touchdown play in the 20-13 victory.
"Going into the game, I may have had a slight chip on my shoulder. I was a little irritated that week," Graham said. "Can't remember why, but that week I was on one in terms of focus and execution because I was really ready to put my best foot forward. And it all lined up with him being in the quarterback position, just based off the stability and our connection and our relationship.
"Getting the play call, as soon as you heard the formation, I already know we're dialing it up. 'Let it fly. I'm going to outrun everybody.' And he threw it perfectly. It was one of those where you just make the catch and get in the end zone. MetLife went crazy.
"I'm going to say that game (is one of my fondest memories as a Jet) only because the Steelers that year were on a hot streak. They came to MetLife, and it was almost like, 'Okay, (all we've got to do is) show up today. And we beat them. I have the commemorative balls somewhere.
"As much as I had the touchdown, I had a significant role on special teams because I influenced the punt return at gunner and forced Antonio Brown to fumble the ball and I recovered it. And then there was another situation on a kickoff. The kick-return team for the Steelers fumbled, and I just happened to be close to the return and got the recovery. So that game actually was probably the most significant game in my mind, just because of how much influence my gameplay had on the outcome."
Spending one season with the Jets, Graham went on to join the New Orleans, Philadelphia, Carolina, and Montreal (CFL) organizations before transitioning away from playing the game and co-founding Breakaway Data, a sports performance data company.
"I was the resident data interpreter and would use that in my coaching philosophy and my training, as well," Graham said. "I used a lot of data, a lot of technology, a lot of videos to assess stuff, and found myself very close to coaching football. To the point where I was being asked to coach peewee teams, high school teams, and then I started dabbling in college. NC State allowed me to sit in their meetings and practices for a whole summer into the season. I was volunteering my time when I could, looking for a position."
After assisting at the East-West Shrine Game, Graham joined the Green Bay Packers as part of the Bill Walsh NFL Diversity Coaching Fellowship. He later turned down an offer to be their assistant director of player engagement, instead joining the Duke Sports Science Institute as lead trainer and director of sports performance analytics.
From there, following his time as the head coach at St. David's School in Raleigh, NC, last year, Graham decided to remain in the area with his wife, Tyler, and their sons, Ian and Trace. He is now the head coach, program head, and assistant athletic director at Ravenscroft School.
"To be honest, I'm in a situation here because this school is historically one of the top programs in our whole state, just hasn't really been there for a while," Graham said. "But the unique space here is we can recruit because we're a private school. And because we're a private school, it's really a matter of relationships and how you present yourself and what your name means in the community to these other people looking for an opportunity to, one, go to a really good school, but also, two, to participate in sports. Football in this matter.
"I like to say I use football or sport as a microcosm of life. The lessons we learn in sport are applied and applicable to life, but I want them to learn to be better humans, better adults from it. You can use sport to kind of give them that learned lesson of how to work through stressful situations or creatively problem solve. Kind of pick yourself up and continue and have that unwavering confidence about you that applies to life.
"Like nothing's worse than training camp. This is not as bad as when I got hit really hard and had to get back up. Nothing's harder than blah, blah, blah. So I want the kids to understand that football is not life, but it gives you life lessons if you really put your mind to it."
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