After winning his second Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, veteran Brandon Graham, after 15 years playing at the highest level in the NFL, announced his retirement from the field.
Graham marked an era with the Eagles, being selected in the first round of the 2010 draft and playing 206 games with Philadelphia, which became an important milestone in the franchise’s history.
“I gave it everything I have,” were the touching words Graham said when announcing his goodbye to the NFL. The team owner, Jeffrey Lurie, praised his dedication and team spirit.
The Eagles’ defense each year raised its level until it became the second-best in the NFL in 2024, with Brandon Graham being a key piece. Last year, he accumulated 3.5 sacks and seven quarterback hits in 11 games.
After being a first-round pick in 2010, Graham was a bit inconsistent in his first two career years. In his first season, he got 3 sacks, and in his second season, none. However, after that, he became a very consistent player for Philadelphia.
Graham finishes his career with 153 quarterback hits and 76.5 sacks, was named All-Pro in 2016, and was nominated to the Pro Bowl in 2020. His most important achievements with Philadelphia were undoubtedly the two Super Bowls he won: in 2017, beating the New England Patriots with Tom Brady, and this year’s win against the Kansas City Chiefs.
A play that marked his career
Brandon Graham is remembered for his significant career and, above all, for 15 years with a single team. However, in the 2017 Super Bowl, in the final minutes, he recorded a very important sack on Tom Brady that helped contain the Patriots in that victory for Philadelphia over New England.
He was also known for his leadership on the team. In December 2024, Graham commented on the deteriorating relationship between receiver A.J. Brown and quarterback Jalen Hurts, suggesting that Brown could improve his communication. In the end, everything was resolved, and they won the Super Bowl against the Chiefs.
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