Two-time Super Bowl champion Brandon Graham is calling it a career.
Graham made the official announcement at a press conference Tuesday. A former first-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles, Graham played all 15 seasons in Philly and was an integral part of the defense that helped the Eagles to their first Super Bowl win in 2018. Graham had previously announced that this past season would be his last.
“Fifteen years ago, I walked into this city as a young man with dreams,” Graham said, audibly choking back tears. “Big dreams, a little bit of nervousness, and a whole lot of fire in my heart. I had no idea back then what this journey would bring. I didn’t know how many times I would be tested, I didn’t know how much I would grow, and I surely didn’t know how deeply I would fall in love with these fans and the team in this city today.”
Graham stressed his relationship with God as critical to his professional career. He then thanked Eagles leadership: owner Jeffrey Lurie, general manager Howie Roseman, senior advisor “Big Dom” DiSandro, and the staff at the Eagles’ NovaCare Complex, as well as former head coach Andy Reid.
Graham was drafted by the Eagles out of Michigan with the 13th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. He was named starter at defensive end in his rookie season, and finished the season with 13 tackles and three sacks, though he tore his ACL in Week 14 of that year. He had a brief stint playing outside linebacker from 2013-2106, then switched back to defensive end. Graham played mostly as a rotational piece; he started just 23 of 80 games played over his first six years in the NFL. He finally started all 16 games in the 2016 season, and had a career high in tackles (59). He registered a career high in sacks in 2022 with 11.
In the 2017 season, he played in 15 games and was a critical piece of the Eagles’ championship run. In the regular season, he amassed 47 tackles and 9.5 sacks. He is most remembered for his strip sack of Tom Brady in the final minutes of the fourth quarter of the Eagles’ 41-33 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII, Philly’s first-ever Super Bowl win and first NFL championship since 1960.
Graham said ahead of the 2024 season that it would be his last. He played in 11 games before tearing his triceps in the Week 12 game against the Los Angeles Rams. However, he was activated in time to play in the Eagles’ 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. He retore the muscle during the game, but registered a tackle in his 13 snaps played to help the team to its second Super Bowl victory. He finished his career as the franchise record holder for regular season games and seasons played.
Graham also had a heartfelt message to the Philadelphia community. “We didn’t start so tight as you know,” he said. “You made me work for this, and I appreciate you for that. Through the struggles, the injuries, and the moments where I had to prove myself over and over again, you never let me get comfortable. You held me accountable, you kept that chip on my shoulder, you pushed me to be better, and when the time came we celebrated together—two times.”
“This city is built on hard work, resilience, and unmatched passion,” he added. “You bring the same energy to every game, every moment, every season. Your loyalty, your fire, and your unwavering support mean everything to me and this organization. Philly doesn’t just support its team, it lives for them, and I see it, and I feel it, and I appreciate every single one of you. ... This city has changed my life. ... While my time on the field is coming to an end, my love for this team and city will never fade.”
