Five days before Patrick Mahomes became a three-time Super Bowl champion, his half-brother Graham Walker took a significant step toward joining him in the NFL. An All-American wide receiver as a sophomore, Patrick Mahomes Sr.’s third son transferred to Rice after spending the last three seasons at Brown.
Walker initially joined the Ivy League school for the “unique opportunities that it provided” him “both academically and athletically.” As a senior, he had philosophy as his concentration, but the 6-foot-3, 215-pound wideout now concentrates on a career in the league.
For the Bears, Walker had 127 catches, 1,496 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns in three seasons. But the transfer portal beckoned after deciding to take football seriously over this last year.
“Seeing the track record of guys going to the NFL and the guys that the coaching staff has developed just provides more and more reason to join such a great program,” Walker told “The Roost” after committing to Rice. He will help replace Luke McCaffrey on the Owls after the receiver was selected No. 100 overall in this year’s NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders.
McCaffrey became the first Rice alum to hear their name called in nine years. However, former Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams wideout Austin Trammell also spent four seasons with the Owls before going undrafted.
Walker wants to follow in their footsteps, his father explained earlier this year. “(Graham) finally decided he wants to be a serious football player,” Mahomes Sr. told FOX4 after his son entered the transfer portal.
His father spoke about now “getting the chance to put” his “hands on him a little more” after acknowledging his step-father Gerry Howatt and mother Jessamyn Walker “did a great job with him.” Mahomes Sr looks forward to going on with the “next chapter” for Walker.
“He’s come to the realization that he has a chance to play in the NFL,” his father continued, “so he’s going to try and go out and explore all the possibilities. (He’ll take) Whatever road that leads, to try to give himself a chance to play at the next level like we all want to.”
“He has to do his part; he has to work hard. He’s got a big year coming up, so hopefully, he’s able to go out and do the things he needs to do to fulfill a dream that he’s dreamt about for a long time.”
His half-brother is also said to be “supportive” of the endeavor. Mahomes Sr. also hopes they may spend some time working out together.
“Hopefully, in this offseason, Patrick will get a chance to throw the football to him as he runs routes as Patrick always has his receivers come down, so we’re looking forward to that,” their father said. “You know, his word may be a little good, so maybe he can get (Graham) in the door too.”