Eagles’ Franchise-Making DE Brandon Graham Announces Retirement

The Philadelphia Eagles drafted defensive end Brandon Graham with the 13th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. In the 15 seasons since, Graham has won two Super Bowls, including posting the pivotal strip sack on Tom Brady that sealed the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII win, and become the franchise record holder for most games played.

Graham announced his retirement on Tuesday. His last NFL game was the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, making him one of just four players to have two Super Bowl rings with the franchise.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything sweeter than this,” Graham said in his retirement press conference. “Fifteen years ago, I walked into this city with dreams, big dreams. Today as I sit here, my entire life has been forever changed because of this magical place.” 

Graham’s career wasn’t a perfect one. It included multiple season-ending injuries – a torn ACL, Achilles, and triceps – and a re-tear of the triceps during Super Bowl LIX, requiring additional surgery. He was selected to the Pro Bowl once, in 2020, and to the Second Team All-Pro in 2016. While he’s best remembered for his postseason performance, he has 76.5 career regular-season sacks, ranking third in Eagles history.

Most of all, though, Graham played with heart, endearing himself to the city for decades to come. The Eagles’ statement on his retirement dubbed Graham “the embodiment of everything you would want in a Philadelphia Eagle.”

“I gave it everything I had,” Graham said. “I have no regrets.”

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Article by Katherine Manz