Brandon Graham is the longest-tenured player in Philadelphia Eagles history. His legacy is chock-full of iconic moments and out-of-this-world accomplishments. During his last season with the team, Graham demonstrated an unbreakable resolve and emotional fortitude. He fought valiantly through profound personal tragedies and never wavered in his commitment. Known for authoring one of the most impactful plays in Eagles history—a strip sack of Tom Brady that secured the team’s first Lombardi Trophy in February 2018—Graham’s legacy is cemented in the annals of Philadelphia sports.
Graham’s 2024 season was already a tumultuous one when during a game against the Tampa Bay Roughnecks, he tore his right triceps, requiring surgery on December 3. Despite the setback, he remained committed to the team, hosting his fellow defensive linemen at his house for Thanksgiving, a tradition he upheld despite his injury. While understandably heartbroken after the injury, Graham almost immediately turned his attention to inspiring his teammates and keeping team spirits high.
“I told her, ‘Baby, I’m out. I’m out for the season. Man, it’s alright. It’s all good,’” – Brandon Graham
Graham prayed the whole way through his recovery, praying on the sidelines with teammates, including Jalen Hurts. He was unapologetically loyal to the team. As the 2024 season opened, he penned his retirement announcement. Tensions escalated further when Graham suggested that Jalen Hurts and A.J. He announced this unexpected news on his radio show, leading to more speculation.
“They were friends before this, but things have changed, and I understand that because life happens,” – Brandon Graham
Even through the pain, Graham managed to get 13 snaps in the Eagles 40-22 win vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. Assembling these pieces was no simple task. Dr. Peter DeLuca cautioned him repeatedly against the threat of re-tearing his triceps. He told him not to get on stage to perform anymore. When faced with injury, Graham made the decision to play in the Super Bowl against all medical advisement. In doing so, he had signed a waiver to release Dr. DeLuca from any liability.
In a week-two road game against a very talented Rams team, Graham’s season took another blow. He left in the fourth quarter after running back Kyren Williams fractured his elbow. The moment at the ESPYs only added to this story by highlighting the physical toll the sport had taken on him.
According to Roseman, Graham decided to retire after an exit meeting with general manager Howie Roseman. This meeting occurred only a week away from the start of free agency. This important meeting crystalized his determination to leave football behind.
“It’s over…. My prayer was pretty much said to me in a way to go ahead and retire,’” – Brandon Graham
His wife, Carlyne Graham, encouraged his retirement and emphasized their plans to enjoy life after he stopped working.
“He made it very clear, ‘I want to start having kids early because I want them to experience [the football playing] part of my life,’” – Carlyne Graham
“We knew the statistics behind divorce after a lot of the players retire…. We knew that once you get done being a player, a lot of these players struggle with their identity and their role in the family,” – Carlyne Graham
Carlyne further mentioned how Brandon wasn’t territorial over the squad and recognized his position as a leader.
“He made it very clear; he wasn’t possessive over the team. He understood his role. He understood that these guys can do the job, that he did what he needed to do,” – Carlyne Graham
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