Brandon Graham is retiring from the NFL again, officially ending one of the most accomplished and beloved careers in Philadelphia Eagles history.
Graham announced his retirement Tuesday after 16 seasons, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. The 38-year-old spent his entire career with Philadelphia, becoming a two-time Super Bowl champion and the longest-tenured player in franchise history . Graham retired following the Eagles' Super Bowl win over the Patriots after 15 seasons in the NFL, but Philadelphia convinced him to return from retirement last October. He recorded three sacks and eight tackles in nine games and played a handful of snaps on the interior to help replace an injured Jalen Carter.
His two-sack performance against the Las
Vegas Raiders made him the oldest player in Eagles history to record a sack.
Philadelphia released Graham in June in what was described as a procedural move, leaving open the possibility of another return. Graham expressed interest in playing a 17th season and participating in a full training camp, but the Eagles entered September with a younger and deeper group of edge defenders.
The No. 13 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Graham appeared in 215 regular-season games and recorded 79.5 sacks and 128 tackles for loss. His career required patience after early injuries and criticism, but he eventually developed into one of the franchise’s most dependable defenders and respected leaders.
Graham’s defining play came in Super Bowl LII when he stripped Tom Brady late in the fourth quarter. The turnover helped Philadelphia secure a 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots and its first Super Bowl title. He later returned from a torn triceps to appear in Super Bowl LIX, becoming one of four players to participate in both of Philadelphia’s championship victories.
Graham’s playing career is over, but his relationship with the Eagles is expected to continue. He has discussed remaining around the organization as a mentor while exploring opportunities in media and other areas of football.
After one comeback and 16 seasons in Midnight Green, Graham is finally ready for his next chapter.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles legend Brandon Graham announces retirement after 16 seasons
