The Philadelphia Eagles decisively defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl with a score of 40-22. However, next year’s Eagles team is expected to undergo significant changes due to roster turnover from free agency and trades. Adding to this upheaval, franchise legend Brandon Graham, who dedicated his entire career to Philadelphia, announced his retirement during a press conference on Tuesday. “I could not be happier with the way my career played out, the love I’ve received, and the success the Eagles have experienced as an organization,” Graham shared, according to the Eagles’ official website. “For real, it has been a dream come true.”
“One of the best to ever wear the midnight green,” the Eagles tweeted following Graham’s announcement. “Thank you for 15 incredible seasons, Brandon Graham. Congratulations on an amazing NFL career.” Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie also issued a statement, emphasizing, “Without question, Brandon Graham embodies everything you would want in a Philadelphia Eagle. He’s a special player and a special person, and it’s fitting that he holds the record for the most games played in our franchise history.
“Over the course of his 15-year career, he produced countless memorable moments on and off the field. His 76.5 sacks rank as the third-highest total in Eagles history, and he will forever be celebrated for his game-changing play in Super Bowl 52. Beyond his statistics, the way he played and conducted himself earned him deep love and respect from coaches, teammates, and fans alike. His positive energy was infectious in practice, during games, and around the facility. Anyone who interacted with him would agree that being in his presence was uplifting. He was not only a fierce, talented player but also a key contributor to our team’s success over the years.
“Along with being one of our all-time greats on the field, Brandon has always represented this organization and the City of Philadelphia with outstanding leadership, integrity, and class. His trademark smile, warm demeanor, and respectful treatment of everyone around him, combined with his willingness to give of himself, contributed to him being a two-time Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award nominee. Ultimately, his character and gracious nature stand out the most. We are incredibly proud of the player, person, and family man Brandon has become.
“Although Brandon is officially retiring as a player, his impact on our team will undoubtedly persist for years, whether through the culture he helped establish or his future endeavors. On behalf of the Philadelphia Eagles, we congratulate Brandon on his incredible career and wish him and his family the very best in retirement.”
We hope that Graham achieves the same success in the next chapter of his life as he did throughout his illustrious football career.
