Brandon Graham is now officially back with the Philadelphia Eagles and the two-time Super Bowl champion talked about how his return from retirement came to be on his podcast “Brandon Graham Unblocked” for PHLY.
You can check out the entire hour-long conversation with Bo Wulf but here’s a transcript of his initial answer:
I really didn’t want to retire in the beginning. It was kind of tough. But it was like, hey, Philly right now … they got everything they need. So, it’s like, alright, well, I don’t
see myself on no other team. So, I think this is the best way to do it, to go out on top.
Months went by, after we won the Super Bowl. Of course, I’m still working out, still training and stuff. But it’s more like I’m enjoying myself, too. Making sure I try to enjoy myself, play a lot of golf. We created a new schedule of what it’s going to be like when you’re done [playing].
But, you know, football, of course, when we get close to the season … man. I know Howie wanted a vet, and he reached out to my agent at the start of the season. He was like, ‘Hey, I know back when, way back when what we said [we think you should retire]… [now it’s] more like, hey, let’s get it. We need him. We want you to come out.’
So, for me, I’m just like … nah, I ain’t ready for that right now. But he ended up signing Za’Darius [Smith]. After Week 1, I had started praying about it. Like, man, Lord, if another opportunity come, what should I do? Because I’m not trying to hurry up and rush back into comfort. Because of course [not playing] is uncomfortable, but I was ready to deal with it. My wife wanted me to do whatever [I wanted]. She’s been so supportive of me, the whole situation, regardless. All she wanted to do is make sure my mental health is good. That’s where — when they first came, that’s all we was talking about for the past couple months. If another opportunity come, what you thinking? Of course, she supported me. But I had to talk it through for real. Because like I say, I just wanted to make sure I’m making the right decision and doing the right things. And not just rushing back into something because it’s comfortable.
But of course I feel like I have some more juice left before I left. I still, even now, I’m working out and doing all this stuff. So if something else come up, I’ma do it. But [Za’Darius] retired abrupt and I saw a sign where I was like, if I did come back, how would that look? Because he had [my] old locker anyway.]
[…]
It was crazy just how everything— I’m so thankful. I don’t know what this gone be, I don’t have no expectations. It’s just more like, I’ma come just bring myself, and bring the energy. Go out there first play … ‘You thought I was done, huh? You thought you wasn’t gonna have to deal with me?’ All that little fun stuff, man. Because obviously we play a game I enjoy playing. Of course it was hard. Because, just being honest, all of us [football players] …. I don’t care how many years you play, it’s just something that you’re used to. And then you try to get used to that next best thing. Of course, I was doing a lot of stuff [outside of football]. But when that ball came and the Eagles was on, I was locked in.
And I know I’m going to get better [not playing] with it as it go. But while I can still do it, and when that opportunity felt like it’s right, I feel like that’s exactly what I want to do. That’s what I wanted to do in the beginning. But I know that it was Year 15, it was just like a great way to go out. But, hey, I don’t want to have no regrets, either. So, I said if the opportunity comes up, I’ma do it. This is the only time in life that you can do it because after a while, ain’t nobody calling no more.
I was flattered and thankful that it came back around.
BG originally didn’t plan on retiring after the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX. He had previously said as much earlier this offseason. It was then that Graham told the Eagles he wanted to play in 2025 but Howie Roseman essentially said the story of going out on top was too good to pass over. Clearly, Roseman changed his tune with the Eagles finding themselves in need of edge rusher help.
So, when will BG be ready to play? Here’s what he had to say:
I was going to do it after the [Week 9] bye week. But all that stuff happened [with the Eagles needing me sooner]. It’s cool, I’m glad I am doing it earlier, because then I get a week of practice. And then another week on the bye week, of course, I’ma go out there and do some extra [work] because, fresh legs, like you said. I’ve gotta get my training camp going. And then I think by Green Bay [in Week 10], I should be a go. Just easing my way in.
But who knows? It could be this week. Could be this week. You just never know. They want to see where I’m at. Of course, gotta put all the gear on, the helmet and all that stuff. I just feel light and ready to go. I’m excited.
Perhaps Graham could play a small role against the Giants before seeing expanded snaps against the Packers?
We’ll see.
