Philadelphia Eagles fans got hit with another emotional goodbye on Tuesday when Brandon Graham announced he is officially retiring from football.
The announcement came during a Jefferson Health event, where Graham spoke briefly to the crowd and made it clear the decision is final. He also used the moment to pass along confidence in the team’s future.
“I’m officially done. Y’all hearing it from me first.
But let me tell you this, they are in great hands. Jordan Davis, I’m telling you, he is a guy who is going to get the defense going.
On offense, I can’t wait for Jalen [Hurts] to prove them haters wrong as always, and get us back to the promised land. I’ma still be around, still around, still giving wisdom, helping the guys.
Because, of course, it’s an adjustment for me, but it’s a great adjustment, because it’s all about my kids and my family, trying to make sure I’m there for that. Just spreading the love everywhere.”
For Graham, this is the second time retirement has entered the picture. He was retired last season before returning to help the Eagles after injuries piled up on the defensive line. He ended that year with three sacks before the team released him in the summer when his contract expired.
The Eagles made Graham a first-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, and after some early struggles that had him labeled a bust, he carved out a 17-year career in Philadelphia alone. Across 215 games, he compiled 495 tackles, 156 quarterback hits, 125 tackles for loss and 79.5 sacks.
His résumé also includes a Pro Bowl nod in 2020 and a second-team All-Pro selection in 2016.
Graham had recently been announced as the launch point for the second season of his Unblocked podcast, and he is also set to join the PHLY crew all season for coverage of every Eagles game.
Few players have meant more to Philadelphia sports fans. Graham became one of the city’s most beloved figures, and while he will eventually be in the Eagles Ring of Honor, his Hall of Fame case remains unsettled for now.
What is certain is the place he holds in Eagles history. He played through the rough stretches, stuck around long enough to win two Super Bowls, and became the kind of player fans in Philadelphia never stopped pulling for.
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