Ep. 10 Nick Graham: Winning 3 State Titles w Millwood, Time in NFL & CFL, Coaching Journey | ROK Podcast

On the latest episode of The ROK Podcast with Coach Love, we had the honor of sitting down with Millwood Legend, Nicholas Graham. Growing up on the Northside of Oklahoma City, Nicholas attended Millwood Public Schools, where he became a standout athlete despite his smaller stature. His speed and agility were unmatched, leading the Millwood Falcons to three state championships and cementing their status as a traditional powerhouse in high school football.

After his remarkable high school career, Nicholas took his talents to Tulsa University. There, he continued to excel on the field, further developing his skills and proving himself as a top-tier player. His collegiate success at Tulsa paved the way for his entry into the NFL.

Nicholas shared stories of playing alongside other living legends at Millwood and how those experiences shaped his athletic career. His exceptional performance at Tulsa caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his signing with the Philadelphia Eagles as a priority free agent. He recounted his time in the NFL, including his stint with the Indianapolis Colts, and the lessons he learned from playing at the highest level.

After his time in the NFL, Nicholas ventured to Canada, where he played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats. These experiences broadened his perspective on the game and allowed him to continue his football journey in a different environment.

The conversation also delved into Nicholas's coaching journey. He spoke about how his reputation as a great person and a dedicated player played a significant role in his transition to coaching. Many of his opportunities came through recommendations from those who knew him well, underscoring the importance of character and relationships in the sports world.

Nicholas's story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of a strong community. His journey from the Northside of OKC to Tulsa University, the NFL, and beyond is truly inspiring, and his contributions to the game continue to impact young athletes today.

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction - Nick Graham
• 2:27 Pride of the Eastside / Young Nick
• 6:55 Millwood Impact / Football Journey Begins
• 12:25 Family Dynamics / HS Football
• 16:13 Les Miles (OSU) & Bob Stoops (OU)
• 22:04 Woods Brothers / Douglass Rivalry / Tradition
• 27:50 Transition to College
• 33:24 Playing vs HS Teammate
• 40:58 NFL - Philly and Indy
• 52:28 CFL - Saskatchewan and Hamilton
• 56:36 Back to School / Coaching Journey
• 1:08:34 Coaching @ UTSA
• 1:13:14 Never Worked in My Life
• 1:16:20 Recruiting HS / The Portal / NIL
• 1:25:39 Momentum Shift