Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham said he is doing everything he can to play in Super Bowl LIX.
The Eagles announced Jan. 30 that they had opened the practice window for Graham to come back from injured reserve. The 36-year-old Graham, who suffered a torn triceps in November, would be playing in his third Super Bowl and possibly his final game in the NFL. He previously announced his intent to retire after the season.
Graham said his benchmark is his pain level when working on his striking techniques during practice. He said he worked in the individual period Thursday and is looking forward to team reps during Friday’s practice. He is pacing himself and trying not to rush back into action, adding that this injury is “one of the easiest injuries” he has faced in his career.
Graham is wearing a brace that prevents his arm from fully extending, but it does allow him to bend his arm and shoot out while striking. “I don’t feel restricted at all,” he said. “It’s a good balance, and whatever I’ve got to do to get ready for this one game, [I] feel like I can do it.”
Graham and team doctors will decide together whether he takes the field on Feb. 9. While the medical staff initially did not expect him to play in the Super Bowl, Graham made good progress in his recovery. He credited his massage therapist, his rigorous supplement routine, and resting the muscle for the first month before ramping it up. He said he is well ahead of schedule and will continue to ramp up over the next few days.
Above all, Graham was excited to get back on the field. So were his teammates.
“Everybody was hyped,” he said. “Just to be back out there, even myself, and I tell them boys, ‘Don’t take being out there for granted.’ I’m just thankful to be back on that field one time, and ... just to go get everything in the Super Bowl.”
The veteran of 15 seasons, all with the Eagles, said he will play only if he’s able to perform at full speed and not get in the way of his teammates.
“These guys work their butt off for this moment, and whenever coach puts me in, I’m going to just make sure ... [to] leave it all on the field. ... Any rep I get out there, hopefully I can help change the game a little bit.”
Even if he does not play, he said he will enjoy being on the sidelines encouraging the team. While he had previously said he would retire after the 2024 season, he was not ready to commit to that yet.
“I know the risk,” Graham concluded, “but the reward will be so much sweeter.”
