Brandon Graham’s Philadelphia career began with criticism that he was the first round bust and that he was one of the most beloved Eagles players of his generation.
Graham retired on Tuesday after being highlighted by his role in defensive play that helped bring his first Super Bowl title to the Eagles after a 15-year career in Philadelphia.
“I gave this everything I had, everything I had,” Graham said. “I have no regrets.”
Graham, who turned 37 in April, thanked his organization, coaches, teammates and family to announce his decision at a new emotional meeting.
He recalls the long journey that took him to beat the famous, demanding Philadelphia fans as he went from being a backup that had only 17 bags in his first five seasons to becoming a key part of the dominant front later in his career.
Graham said it was difficult to leave the house early in his career when he was given the “Bust” label, but he’s happy he was able to push and stay in Philadelphia for the entire career.
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“You know, we didn’t start that closely,” he told fans. “You worked for this and I thank you for that. Throughout the struggle, the injuries and the moments I had to prove myself over and over again, you didn’t make me feel comfortable. You held me accountable. You held that tip on my shoulder.
The 2010 Michigan former round draft pick concluded his career as the game’s greatest leader ever played for the Eagles in 206, finishing third with 76 1/2 sacks and having the most postseason sacks with 5 1/2.
Graham is also one of four players who participated in both Philadelphia’s Super Bowl victory. It’s after the 2017 season against New England and last month against Kansas City.
Graham returned from his torn triceps to face the chief. He arrived on the field with 13 snaps and made one tackle in a 40-22 victory, regaining his triceps again in the game.
Graham showed that last season was his last season, calling it his “farewell tour,” but said he might have returned to another season if he didn’t play in the Super Bowl on Tuesday.
“I was happy to get it back and play with my peers.
He had a major impact on the Super Bowl victory over the Patriots when Graham’s Tom Brady strip sack thwarted a comeback attempt and helped bring the first Lombardi Trophy to Philadelphia in the second half of the fourth quarter.
“It was a big moment in my career,” he said. “That’s where it felt like things were beginning to get even better from that point on. … That’s something I always remember.”
Graham’s career began under manager Andy Reed and continued under Chip Kelly, Doug Pederson and Nick Cirianni.
He only had one season with double digit bags. There were 11 people who helped the Eagles reach the Super Bowl in 2022, but were consistent pressure producers throughout his career.
He made the Pro Bowl in 2020, was the second team All-Pro in 2016, and in 2022 he came in fourth in the AP Comeback Player of the Year poll.
Graham finished his two Super Bowl champion career, despite having only 6 1/2 sacks in 28 games in his last two seasons.
“We fought, we fought hard,” he said of his teammates. “We celebrated the best, endured the losses, and through it we created something that we could never take the path. Two championships. Two. We made history together.”
By Josh Dubou
