Early life

Graf was raised in Madison, Wisconsin. While in the Madison Public Schools, he was active in swimming (Parkcrest Penguins), track and field, hockey, and football. Graf graduated in 1982 from James Madison Memorial High School.

He is the youngest of three sons of Dr. Richard and Barbara Graf. His older brothers include Andrew (Tex) Graf (M.D., Madison, Wisconsin) and William (Bill) Graf (D.D.S., Middleton/Madison, Wisconsin). His father, Richard Graf, is still a practicing physician (Urology) and works with his oldest son, Andrew. William is a partner in First Choice Dental, with a specializing in cosmetic dentistry. Both of Rick’s parents graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

While in the Madison Public Schools, Graf was active in age-group swimming (for the Mighty Parkcrest Penguins), track and field, youth and high school hockey and football. Graf graduated (1982) from James Madison Memorial High School in Madison, Wisconsin. Madison Memorial High School also produced another NFL player, Tyrone Braxton (Denver Broncos 1987-1999, with one year in Miami).

During his high school career, Graf was an All-State linebacker in football. He also played on the third line (left wing) for the Madison Memorial Spartans who finished second in the 1982 Wisconsin state hockey tournament. Graf also competed in track and field as a sprinter and 110-meter high hurdler.

College career

Graf was recruited to Wisconsin by the late head coach, Dave McClain (who died unexpectedly in April 1986). After being red-shirted his first college football season with an ankle injury, Graf was a four-year starter (1983-1986 seasons) at the University of Wisconsin.

During his collegiate career, Graf was paired as an outside linebacker with another Madison public school product, Tim Jordan (graduate Madison La Follette High School). The two players competed against one another in football and in track and field before they both accepted athletic scholarships to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

As outside linebackers, Graf and Jordan were coached by former Badger defensive lineman Dave Anderson. Anderson now serves as the Deputy Director for the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletics Association.

Under Anderson’s watchful eye, Graf and Jordan had combined for more than 80 tackles at a loss to the opposition of more than three hundred yards. Graf and Jordan were nicknamed “Thunder and Lighting” by Mike Lucas, sports writer for the Capital Times (Madison) and as a color commentator for Badger football and other sports.

During the 1985 season, Graf tore his ACL in a game against Northwestern University. This injury ended his season and he had surgery the following day by Dr. William Clancy who at the time was the UW team doctor. Clancy went on to work with Dr. James Andrews at Alabama Sports Medicine & Orthopedic and now heads the Orthopedic Associates of Aspen and Glenwood in Colorado.

Graf returned and played in his senior year. Despite Wisconsin’s 3-9 team record, Graf was named All-Big Ten linebacker by the coaches and media. Prior to the 1986 Wisconsin v. Michigan, former Michigan coach Bo Schembechler commented that over the course of their four years at Wisconsin, Graf and Jordan were the best tandem of outside linebackers his team played against.

In the 1986 homecoming game vs. Illinois, Graf’s interception for a touchdown sealed the come from behind victory for the Badgers before a crowd of over 80,000. Graf’s quote in the Wisconsin State Journal the following morning was “After I scored they could have opened the gate and I would have run to Jingles (Tavern) to continue the celebration.” Jingles, located adjacent to Camp Randall Stadium, is a local bar favorite for Wisconsin fans throughout the years.

During his collegiate years, Graf participated in two college plays: the Sound of Music and Antigone. Graf completed his undergraduate degree in Communications (B.S. 1987).

Professional career

Graf (6 ft 5 in and 239 lbs.) was drafted in the second round (43rd pick) of the 1987 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. In late July 1987, after missing several days of training camp, he signed his first contract with the Miami Dolphins. Graf became a starter during his rookie year, the 1987 NFL season.

Seven other Wisconsin football players were drafted along with Graf in the 1987 NFL draft. They include: Nate Odomes (Buffalo), Tim Jordan (New England), Michael Reid (Atlanta), Joe Armentrout (Tampa Bay), Craig Raddatz (Cincinnati), Bobby Taylor (also Miami), and Larry Emery (Atlanta).

Graf played for the Miami Dolphins (1986-1990), the Houston Oilers (1991-92), and the Washington Redskins (1993-94). He was forced to retire after a severe neck injury suffered in the last pre-season game with the Redskins.

Graf is an active member of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football League Alumni organization.

• In 1988, Graf was named Favorite Son of Madison by the Pen and Mike Club.
• In 2002, Graf was enshrined to the Madison Sports Hall of Fame.

Graf resides in Edina, Minnesota, and his wife and their three children Kathryn, Derek, and Christine.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]