Jimmy Graham has kicked off his ambitious 10-day Arctic Challenge

And they're off -- former New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham is two days into a weekslong expedition to set a new speed record in rowing across the Arctic Ocean, as part of a four-person team in an open-air seafaring kayak. The crew shoved out from Tromsø, Norway at about 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 4, prepared to spend at least 10 days at sea. Depending on weather conditions and their own endurance, the ongoing paddle may take twice as long.

Supporters can follow their progress on a live tracking map on the Arctic Challenge's website, which has featured several video updates; one shows Graham standing at the prow of the boat in a bright red jacket, surveying the passing fjords before they made it out to sea. But an early deviation and persistent winds from the east have pushed them outside the plotted course. It's been far from an easy start to their journey.

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We'll be keeping tabs on Graham and his team in the days ahead. Their efforts aren't just for bragging rights. Through the Million Meters Club, they're working to raise $1 million for the New Orleans-based Covenant House and Laureus Sport for Good charities, as well as the Norwegian Veterans Association. Good luck to them. Graham, the former Miami Hurricanes star, hasn't shied away from adventures outside football. Since earning his piloting license and recovering from a scary cycling accident in 2023, he spent a year and a half preparing for this trip. Now it's time to see it through.