In the wake of the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory, it remained unclear if Brandon Graham would retire. As expected, though, the 15-year veteran has elected to hang up his cleats.
Graham announced during a Tuesday press conference that he is retiring. This past summer, he indicated the 2024 campaign would be his last, and as a result his decorated Philadelphia run appeared to be over when he suffered a biceps tear in November. The 36-year-old managed to return in time for Super Bowl LIX, however, and he played a rotational role in the team’s victory. 
“I could not be happier with the way my career played out, the love I’ve gotten, and the success the Eagles have had as an organization,” Graham said. “For real, it has been a dream come true.”
A first-round pick in 2010, Graham only occupied a rotational role for the first three years of his career. He was a mainstay along the edge for six straight seasons after that, however, a period which included his first Super Bowl win. A Graham forced fumble during the fourth quarter of that contest was key in the Eagles’ win.
The Michigan product was limited to only two games in 2021, the first season of his final multi-year contract. Graham played out one-year pacts in 2023 and ’24 with questions about his future looming. The most productive campaign of his career (in terms of sacks) came in 2022 with 11, a sign of his continued importance during the waning stages of his career. While his playing time dropped to the level of a rotational contributor rather than a full-time starter in recent years, Graham remained a key presence on and off the field for Philadelphia.
Pursuing another one-year arrangement with the Eagles would have involved considerable rehab in advance of the 2025 campaign. Graham re-tore his triceps during his second Super Bowl victory, a factor he likely considered when weighing his options for the future. A report in the wake of last month’s win noted he would take his time before making a formal decision, one which is now officially in place. Graham has followed fellow ‘Core Four’ Eagles Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox in retirement. The lone member of that group still set to play is right tackle Lane Johnson, who inked a one-year extension yesterday.
With this retirement decision looming and Josh Sweat expectedly departing in free agency, edge rush has a been a position of note this offseason for the Eagles in recent days. The team is reportedly open to trading Bryce Huff, whose big-ticket 2024 free agent deal did not pan out as hoped. Philadelphia’s pass-rush group includes Nolan Smith for the short- and long-term future, along with free agent additions Josh Uche and Azeez Ojulari. Graham’s absence will be acutely felt as the team looks to defend its title next season.
“Without question, Brandon Graham is the embodiment of everything you would want in a Philadelphia Eagle,” a statement from owner Jeffrey Lurie reads in part. “He’s a special player and a special person. It’s only fitting that he has played in more games than anyone else in the history of our franchise… We could not be prouder of the player, person, and family man that Brandon has become.
“On behalf of the Philadelphia Eagles, we congratulate Brandon on an incredible career and wish him and his family all the best in retirement.”
Graham’s 206 games played top the field for all Eagles players, and his 76.5 career sacks rank third in franchise history. With over $98MM in career earnings and a pair of Super Bowls to his name, he will now turn his attention to his post-playing days.
Glad he goes out on a high note. I wonder if he’d be back if he didn’t re-injure himself in the Super Bowl?
I wondered that myself. As a Dallas fan, I had great respect for Graham and how he went about his business. Enjoy retirement, you’ve certainly earned it.
he said at the press conference had we not won the SB he’d have come back another year
An all time eagles great. Hell of a career for a city that initially wasn’t very open to him when we drafted him. But BG the type to take that animosity and turn it into love by the way he played on the field and the person he was off it. Philly will miss ya. 3 of the core 4 gone. Not ready for this Era to end.
On top of everything else, Graham makes a pretty tasty wafer 🙂
Enjoy retirement, king.
49ers fan here but I always had massive respect for Graham. Good player on some quality contending teams, glad he participated in the play against Brady in the SB. Very quiet leader and will be missed. Congrats on a great career!
We appreciate all you did for us BG! Enjoy that 2nd ring & being a Philly legend forever!
Love BG. Glad to see him go out on top like he has.
Nolan Smith imo is the perfect replacement for him, and Jalyx Hunt and the new guys should be a great complement to him on the other side if Huff ends up getting traded.
Nolan Smith, Hunt and the new guys Howie brought on board? Who’s taken over your screen name? An actual compliment for Howie? But I agree with your post entirely.
Unlike you driders, I have nuanced thinking.
Fanboy.
Ha!!! You’ll fall right in line next year again. Howie owns the franchise and when they win, you’ll say in spite of him..
Your screen name is perfect…
Thanks for everything Brandon. You have been a true leader on and off the field. So happy you got to win two and play in three Super Bowls. You started the ‘Golden Age’ of the Eagles !