New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has described Jimmy Graham as a "tremendous worker".
The tight end, who underwent wrist surgery during the off-season, has recorded 358 receiving yards and scored four touchdowns so far this season.
Payton told reporters: "I don't think there was anything specific, other than just getting ready to get started in the off-season. He is a tremendous worker. He really wants to please and it is important to him.
"Along with the skillset and physical ability, those are all great combinations. There wasn't any magical meeting or sit down, it was him getting healthy and getting ready for a good off-season and the work that he puts in, and a credit to him, he works and goes really hard.
"A day like today on third down, he is receiving a lot of reps and he handles that well. He is in very good shape."
The Saints play the Miami Dolphins on Monday.
Sian Cowper
