Dynamic running back Ezekiel Graham signs with Warsaw Eagles

Poland’s Warsaw Eagles sign American running back Ezekiel Graham for PLFA TopLiga season

Graham, a running back from Carson, California is a dynamic threat on the football field. The 5’8″ 190 lb running back has also played punt returner and kick returner.

In 2013-2014, Graham rushed for 1,234 yards and seven touchdowns for Sacramento State University. Before that he played two seasons at Los Angeles Southwest Junior College and was named a Junior College All-America in 2011 where he led the state of California with 2,227 all-purpose yards and 19 touchdowns.

American Football International: How did you come to sign with Warsaw?

Ezekiel Graham: I first learned about the Eagles from coach Kirk Mastromatteo, (head coach of the Warsaw Eagles). Coach and I have some history between us we’ve been dealing with each other for about a year now. He’s a man I respect and I value his opinion a great deal, so we talked about it. Then I did a little research and found out where they were located and became very interested in the team and the city.

AFI: This will be your first season playing in Europe. How did you find out about playing in Europe in 2017?

Graham: I found out about playing in Europe through my trainers and mentors, Mike Johnson of Playmakers Elite and Michael Reid, one of the top sprint coaches in Northern California. These two men have been whipping me into shape for years getting ready for any opportunity that may present itself to me they did the research and set me up with the overseas websites such as Europlayers.com. Also coach Veljko Petrović (of Serbia’s Kragujevac Wild Boars) checked in with me from time to time making sure I was on track.

AFI: Are you looking forward to the chance to travel and if so where?

Graham: Yes! I actually am grew up in Los Angeles, California. In Watts it’s not really something you think about when your growing up so this is definitely a blessing and still sometimes amazes me when I wake up and open my eyes and I’m in Warsaw, a place I never thought I’d go. But God has a a way of making you a believer. I’d like to visit Italy, France, and maybe Germany. I’m looking to take full advantage of this experience.

AFI: What are you looking forward to about playing in Europe?

Graham: The thing I’m looking forward to most about playing in Europe is the fans excitement here in Warsaw. It seems like the Eagles fans really support their team. I’m looking forward to us coming together as one and giving this city. It wants and needs a championship!

AFI: What are your expectations for 2017?

Graham: My expectations for 2017 will be to getting this team to become one. Play as one and we will win as one. ‘If’ we shall lose we will lose as one. Just to simply play my heart out and leave it all out on the field. Leave no regrets.

AFI: What do you bring to the Warsaw Eagles?

Graham: I feel that I bring to the Eagles a versatile player who has dominant and scary speed. I can play anywhere on the field. I can run, catch, hit, defend, return, even throw if needed. I can run between the tackles. I am a player who will show you how big his heart is every single play, even if I am on one leg. I WILL NOT BE DENIED.

AFI: Is there anything else you would like to let the international football world know?

Graham: I’d like to thank my family back home for believe in me and pushing me through life not to give up when times seem to be too hard to get through. My mom, Deborah Riley, always told me that no matter what happens in life or what you go through, God wouldn’t put you in any position to fail. He creates opportunities when you think none is there and I believe this is one. My father John Murry had a different method of encouragement. He never gives credit when he knows that what your suppose to do try your hardest at everything you do. To go above and beyond. Three touchdowns is not enough we need five, 100 yards is not enough we need 200 yards, things like that. Thank you to my brothers Raymond and Rashaad Murry who always gave me encouraging words and coached me through life,  showing me different ways to succeed but always to be who I am in the end. I’d be nothing without them. Thank you to all of you, there is no way I could ever repay you for all that you have done.

Check out Ezekiel’s highlights

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