Tag: Brandon Graham

Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham speaks with the media during a press conference at Hilton New Orleans Riverside. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Eagles DE Brandon Graham retires: ‘No regrets’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Two-time Super Bowl champion Brandon Graham announced his retirement Tuesday after a franchise-record 206 regular-season games over 15 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The 36-year-old defensive end became a Philadelphia icon, returning from a torn triceps to play in last month’s Super Bowl LIX triumph after making one of the biggest plays in the team’s first championship in Super Bowl LII.

“I gave it everything I have,” said Graham, who ranks third in Eagles history with 76.5 sacks. “I have no regrets.”

A first-round draft pick (13th overall) by Philadelphia in 2010, Graham recorded 153 quarterback hits, 126 tackles for loss, 22 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. He made the Pro Bowl after an eight-sack season in 2020 and recorded a career-high 11 sacks in 2022.

“Brandon Graham is the embodiment of everything you want in a Philadelphia Eagle,” team owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement. “… It was the way he played the game and the way he carried himself that earned him the love and respect of his coaches, teammates and fans.”

In 2024, Graham landed on injured reserve on Nov. 26 after sustaining the triceps injury in a Week 12 win against the Los Angeles Rams.

Activated from IR the day before Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, the team captain played 13 snaps and recorded one tackle in the 40-22 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Graham was one of the heroes of Philadelphia’s 41-33 win against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII, recording a strip-sack of Tom Brady late in the fourth quarter to help clinch the franchise’s first Lombardi Trophy.

–Field Level Media

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) walks off the field after win against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Season, career might be over for Eagles DE Brandon Graham (triceps)

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham’s rollercoaster Sunday night ended with the 15-year veteran contemplating football mortality with a triceps injury he expects to end his 2024 season.

Graham, who previously said this would be his final year in the league, moved into third place on the Eagles’ all-time sacks list with a second-quarter takedown of Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford but left the game injured in the second half.

“I trust God, so I’m just enjoying myself,” Graham said. “I’m about to enjoy this little rehab and I’m about to enjoy leading this team the rest of the year. As soon as I can be out there I’m going to be out there.

“Man, boy, man, boy, I was having fun out there. And we’re still gonna have fun. But I’m out for the year.”

Graham posted career sack No. 76.5 to move ahead of Clyde Simmons behind only Trent Cole and Reggie White on the Eagles’ all-time sacks list. The 36-year-old is 9.0 sacks from tying Cole (85.5) and has played every game of his career — a franchise-record 206 — with the Eagles since being drafted in 2010.

Graham will be placed on injured reserve but said his daily duty to the Eagles as a captain and voice in the defensive line meeting room will not change. As for where he goes from here, he wasn’t ready to say Sunday night. But Graham did appear to prop the door open for a 16th NFL season.

“I was feeling good,” Graham said. “I hated it to go like this, but at the end of the day I don’t have any regrets. I put it all in today like I do every week. We’ll go from here. I’m hoping we’re holding that trophy regardless.

“I don’t wanna go out like this but if it’s pointing toward that, we’ll see. I don’t know what the team will be feeling at that time, but for me, I don’t wanna go out like this. I definitely want to be able to finish a full season before I’m done, but if that ain’t in the cards, I’m content where I’m at, too.”

The fourth defensive lineman drafted in 2010 behind Ndamukong Suh (Lions), Gerald McCoy (Buccaneers) and Tyson Alualu (Jaguars), Graham was the 13th overall selection in the draft. He turns 37 in April but isn’t the oldest active defensive lineman in the NFL this season. Dolphins defensive end Calais Campbell turned 38 in September.

Graham had 3.5 sacks in 2024 after posting 3.0 in 17 games last season. He had double-digit sacks only once (11 in 2022) but authored one of the most significant defensive plays in franchise history with a strip-sack of Tom Brady in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory.

–Field Level Media

Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) runs off the field after win against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Eagles DE Brandon Graham leaves door open for 2025

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham may not be playing his last season after all.

In March, Graham agreed to terms on a one-year contract to remain with the Eagles. The 36-year-old said at the time that his 15th season would be his last.

On Wednesday, Graham revealed that he could see a path that has him playing in the 2025 season.

“Honestly, I’m going to stay ready just for one more year,” he said, per NBC Sports Philadelphia. “Just in case if a situation popped up where it’s like, ‘OK, they need me.’ But right now I’m just trying to get through this year and enjoy it as much as I can. And hopefully make a bunch of plays to help the team and help (my teammates) get to their next level.

“Either way, I’m going to be a part of whatever they’re doing next year. As a player, who knows? But I might stay ready another year depending on how everything goes this year.

“I just want to be able to help in whatever role because I know where they’re going right now and I want to be a part of that.”

Graham has recorded three tackles in three games this season for the Eagles (2-1), who visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) on Sunday.

He is fondly remembered by Eagles fans for his strip-sack of then-New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII. Philadelphia went on to record its lone Super Bowl win in franchise history.

Graham has totaled 470 tackles, 73 sacks and 21 forced fumbles in 198 career games (105 starts) since being selected by Philadelphia with the 13th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) runs off the field after win against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles’ Brandon Graham returning for 15th season

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Defensive end Brandon Graham agreed to terms on a one-year contract on Saturday to remain with the Philadelphia Eagles for a 15th season.

Financial terms were not disclosed for Graham, who is the longest-tenured member of the Eagles. He will become the first player in franchise history to compete in 15 seasons with the club, one more than Pro Football Hall of Fame member Chuck Bednarik (1949-62).

“I’m happy to stay here and finish out my career,” Graham said, per the team website. “My career is a big testament to the organization.”

Graham, who turns 36 on April 3, recorded three sacks, 16 tackles and one pass deflection while playing in all 17 games last season. He is one campaign removed from registering a career-high 11 sacks to go along with 35 tackles in 17 games (one start).

As for the future, Graham made his goal very clear. He said he intends to retire after the season.

“You definitely want to leave this place better than when you came in,” he said. “I’m just going to be pouring into the guys, trying to get them to realize what they got in front of them, that these opportunities don’t come often when you got a good team, so let’s take full advantage of the moment.”

Graham fondly is remembered by Eagles fans for his strip-sack of then-New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII. Philadelphia went on to record its lone Super Bowl win in franchise history.

Graham has totaled 467 tackles, 73 sacks and 21 forced fumbles in 195 career games (105 starts) since being selected by Philadelphia with the 13th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

Jan 21, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) on the field after win against the New York Giants during an NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles to re-sign DE Brandon Graham to 1-year deal

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Defensive end Brandon Graham opted against entering free agency and agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, he told ESPN on Friday.

The network reported the deal is worth up to $6 million.

Graham, who turns 35 next month, recorded a career-high 11 sacks to go along with 35 tackles in 17 games (one start) last season. He played an integral part in guiding the Eagles in their sprint to Super Bowl LVII.

“I definitely don’t want to miss out on this championship that we’re about to make a run for,” Graham told ESPN. “I pretty much directed (my agent) Joel (Segal) just to get a deal done before free agency so I wouldn’t have to go through that part. I’m just so happy everything came to fruition.

“It wasn’t even about no money. It was more about wanting to be an Eagle as long as I could still play at a high level, and of course I still have a sour taste in my mouth on how things ended this last (season with a 38-35 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl).”

Graham is fondly remembered by Eagles fans for his strip-sack of then-New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII. Philadelphia went on to record its lone Super Bowl win in franchise history.

The longest-tenured member of the Eagles, Graham has totaled 451 tackles, 70.0 sacks and 21 forced fumbles in 178 career games (105 starts) since being selected by Philadelphia with the 13th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

Sep 19, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) takes off his helmet after being injured during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles place DE Brandon Graham, G Brandon Brooks on IR

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Philadelphia Eagles placed defensive end Brandon Graham and guard Brandon Brooks on injured reserve Tuesday.

The Eagles also signed guard Jack Anderson off the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad.

Graham will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a torn Achilles during the first half of Philadelphia’s 17-11 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Graham, 33, is coming off a Pro Bowl season after recording eight sacks last season and 16.5 the past two. He has played in 161 games (104 starts), all for the Eagles, since being taken No. 13 overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Veteran Ryan Kerrigan likely will see more playing time in place of the injured Graham, who has been a mainstay on a defensive line riddled with injuries the past two seasons.

Brooks sustained a pectoral injury in the loss to the 49ers.

Brooks, 32, had started every game for the Eagles from 2017-2019, earning Pro Bowl honors each season. He has started 108 of 114 games he’s played in since being taken in the third round of the 2012 draft by the Houston Texans.

Rookie lineman Landon Dickerson likely will get the start for the Eagles (1-1) on Monday against the Dallas Cowboys (1-1).

Anderson was a seventh-round pick of the Bills in the 2021 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

Aug 12, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive guard Brandon Brooks before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles OL Brandon Brooks (pec) headed to IR

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Philadelphia Eagles three-time Pro Bowl guard Brandon Brooks has a strained pectoral muscle and is headed for short-term injured reserve.

The team feared the muscle was torn, which would have ended his season. He’ll have to miss at least three weeks on IR.

Head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed the injury on Monday along with a status report on Brandon Graham.

The Pro Bowl defensive end is done for the season after rupturing his left Achilles during Sunday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

“We’re gonna miss BG. He’s the heart and soul of this team,” Sirianni said.

Brooks, 32, who has been a mainstay on an offensive line riddled with injuries the past two seasons, was injured on the first play of the second quarter and didn’t return.

Graham suffered his injury late in the first half.

Brooks had started every game for the Eagles the past three seasons, earning Pro Bowl honors each season. He has started 108 of 114 games he’s played in since being taken in the third round of the 2012 draft by the Houston Texans.

Graham, 33, is coming off a Pro Bowl season after recording eight sacks last season and 16.5 the past two. He has played in 161 games (104 starts), all for the Eagles, since being taken No. 13 overall in the 2010 draft.

Linebacker Davion Taylor is day-to-day with a calf injury.

The Eagles (1-1) play the Dallas Cowboys (1-1) on Monday night in Week 3.

–Field Level Media

Nov 1, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) reacts after a fumble recovery against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles’ Brandon Graham to Giants: ‘Win your game’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham had a few choice comments in the smoldering aftermath of his team’s loss to the Washington Football Team in the regular-season finale.

New York Giants coach Joe Judge publicly took issue with the Eagles’ decision to replace Jalen Hurts with third-string quarterback Nate Sudfeld during the Sunday night game. In Judge’s view, that move went a long way toward guaranteeing that Washington — and not New York — would capture the NFC East title, and in doing so give the Eagles a better first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

“Some people just didn’t like the decision, because they want to see Hurts in there, but at the end of the day, this game didn’t mean anything for us. We were still going home, so why not see who else you got out there?” Graham told 94.1 WIP in Philadelphia on Wednesday. “And if people have a problem with it, don’t put yourself in that position. The Giants, don’t put yourself in that position. Win your game.”

Graham, 32, also took issue with the comments of teammate Miles Sanders, who said that “nobody liked the decision” to play Sudfeld. Graham also dismissed the notion of players getting bent out of shape over the decision.

“Miles, I don’t think he was on the sideline or anything,” Graham said. “He probably didn’t hear coach when he was talking about other guys getting the opportunity.

“People that were getting restrained, I didn’t see that all. That must’ve been fake news, what they call it. Like us as a defense, we went out there trying to win for Coach (Jim) Schwartz.”

The Eagles (4-11-1) ultimately dropped a 20-14 decision to Washington. As a result, they landed the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media