Brandon Graham Retires After 15 Seasons

Credit: Matt Slocum/ AP Photo

Brandon Graham, the hero of Super Bowl 52 called it a career on Tuesday after 15 seasons in midnight green. “I gave everything I had in this and I have no regrets.” an emotional Graham said during his retirement press conference Tuesday afternoon at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia.

The Detroit native was drafted 13th overall by the Eagles in the 2010 NFL Draft out of Michigan. Graham ended his college career earning Big Ten co-MVP honors and was a first-team All-American after racking up 10.5 sacks and leading the FBS in tackles for a loss with 26. Graham recognized then head coach Andy Reid, saying “you [Reid] were the first to bring me here, the first to look me in my eye and tell me that I belong. That moment changed everything for me.”

Graham used those words of encouragement from Coach Reid to play the most games in Eagles franchise history (206). He would establish himself in Philadelphia as a gritty player that gave max effort every snap. Graham was not a stat sheet stuffer, but consistently made an impact on the game. His 76.5 sacks rank third in franchise history. Graham’s relentless pursuit of the quarterback allowed him to make the most iconic play in franchise history.

The Patriots were driving down the field looking to go ahead with 2:16 left in Super Bowl 52. At this point in the game, the Patriots have scored on three straight drives. The Eagles needed a stop and it was provided in the form of Brandon Graham.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady dropped back after receiving the shotgun snap. As he surveyed the field, he stepped up in the pocket to get a better look at his targets downfield. Graham, working on the right guard Shaq Mason, used his quickness to get around the slower guard and swiped for the arm of Brady. Graham got a piece of Brady’s throwing hand stripping the ball loose. Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett would scoop it up, helping the Eagles secure their first Super Bowl in franchise history.

“When they put that bust label on me, that was tough.” Graham said when discussing some of his lowest points in his professional career. This “bust” ended his career as six-time team captain, pro bowler (2020), all-pro (2016), two-time team nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award (2022, 2024), and two-time Super Bowl champion (2018, 2025).

Graham credited the city of Philadelphia with showing him “what it means to be a leader, to be a friend, to be a man of faith, and have integrity.” Graham had career filled with highlights, but his teammates and Eagles fans will remember Graham as a Philadelphia great with a smile that lights up a room and cheerful giver that made more impact off the field than on.

Thank you for Reading!

Elias Meredith (@EAM_55)