Rod Graves

Professional Background
Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation • National Football League

Rod Graves is a seasoned executive with more than four decades of leadership experience in professional football and nonprofit governance. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation, where he has guided the organization for seven years. In this role, Graves provides strategic direction, establishes policy initiatives, and oversees programs that advance the Foundation’s mission of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across the National Football League.

Graves’ distinguished career began in 1982 as an area scout for the Philadelphia Stars of the United States Football League. He joined the NFL in 1984 with the Chicago Bears, rising through the ranks to become Director of College Scouting and later Director of Player Personnel. He contributed to the Bears’ 1986 Super Bowl championship team and played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s scouting operations.

In 1997, Graves joined the Arizona Cardinals, where he advanced to Vice President of Football Operations and ultimately General Manager. As General Manager, he directed operations, strategic planning, player acquisitions, contract negotiations, and budgeting. Under his leadership, the Cardinals captured the NFC Championship in 2008 and made their first Super Bowl appearance in 2009. Graves became one of the longest-tenured personnel executives in the league, recognized for his steady leadership and organizational vision.

Graves later served as Senior Director of Football Administration for the New York Jets before returning to NFL headquarters in 2015 as Senior Vice President of Football Administration and Club Services. His tenure across multiple organizations reflects a career defined by integrity, strategic foresight, and a commitment to excellence.

In recognition of his contributions to advancing equality in the NFL, Graves received the Paul “Tank” Younger Award from the Fritz Pollard Alliance in 2011.

Beyond his professional achievements, Graves and his wife, Dreama, remain deeply committed to service, supporting organizations such as The United Way and the American Diabetes Association. He is a graduate of Pace University and holds a Juris Master’s degree in Corporate Compliance from Fordham University Law School.

Rod Graves is the son of the late Jackie Graves, a respected NFL executive. He and Dreama reside in Chicago, Illinois, and are proud parents of three children: Brittany, Taylor, and Joshua.