Thank You, BG
A little late, but better late than never! Unless you’ve been living under a rock, Eagles DE Brandon Graham has officially retired, after a 15 year career in the city of Brotherly Love. At his retirement press conference, he delivered an emotional, heartfelt message to the city of Philadelphia and Eagles fans worldwide. The former first-round pick of 2010 got off to a rocky start, but soon became one of the most beloved Eagles players in modern franchise history.
Graham’s career began back in 2010, when the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him out of the University of Michigan with the 13th overall pick. The Eagles traded their 24th overall pick, along with two additional third round picks to move up to 13th overall in order to draft Graham, and was expected to be one of the best in his position group, ranking in the top 10 going into the 2010 draft. Sporting the #54 jersey (before eventually switching to his college-worn #55), Graham was ready to shake the NFL world. However, his career did not get off to the start that most expected.
In December of his rookie season, Brandon Graham tore his ACL, landing him on injury reserve for the remainder of the year. He returned in the middle of his 2011 season. Over the next couple seasons, he rotated between defensive end and linebacker and while he didn’t post the biggest numbers or start in all the games, he was getting increasingly better each season. In 2015, Graham signed a four year extension and in 2016, he became an all-pro for the first time in his career. However, his most notorious play came in February 2018, during Super Bowl 52. Late in the fourth quarter, Graham lined up in the interior of the line, as opposed to his typical outside edge rusher position. He was able to get to New England Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady, sacking and forcing a fumble that would be recovered by Derek Barnett. This play ultimately helped ice the game, as kicker Jake Elliott increased the lead to 8, and secured the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory.
Fast forward to 2025, despite significant injuries, including his ACL, achilles, and triceps, Graham finishes his career with 218 regular and postseason games, the most in Eagles franchise history. Over his 15 year tenure, Graham has racked up nearly 77 sacks, over 485 total tackles, 7 fumble recoveries, 22 forced fumbles and 11 pass deflections. He’s also earned 2 Super Bowl championships, 1 pro bowl and 1 second-team all-pro appearance.
Graham’s career will go down in modern Eagles franchise history. He’s overcome injuries and adversity to become a staple in Eagles culture. This man is the definition of resilience, especially with overcoming his triceps injury from November to give it one last go, on the biggest stage in American sports, in Super Bowl 59. Even though he played just 13 snaps, he sent a message to the world with every single one of them. A two-time Super Bowl champion and future Eagles hall of famer, thank you Brandon for EVERYTHING you’ve done for this Eagles organization. One of only 4 Eagles players in franchise history to win two super bowls, your legacy will live on for years to come. We will sincerely miss seeing your #55 on field, but wish you the absolute best in all your future endeavors.
Thank You, BG.
-Michael Roscoe/ 2nd & 15/ OCSN
-Photo Credits: USA Today, Bleeding Green Nation, & Philadelphia Inquirer