The Philadelphia Eagles finally did it in Super Bowl LIX. A start-to-finish dominant performance put the perfect capper on the 2024 season. However, little did the team know that the performance put a perfect bow on one of the most legendary player’s careers in the franchise’s history.
Brandon Graham is one of the most reputed and beloved names in Philadelphia. A 15-year veteran, he was the longest-tenured player on last season’s roster. But, earlier in the day, news dropped through a press conference from the defensive end that his time in the NFL had coming to an end.
Brandon Graham Calls It a Career With the Eagles
Since he came into the league as the 13th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Graham has made himself an indelible part of the Eagles organization. Part of incredible seasons and historic moments, his name has become synonymous with the team.
Speaking at the press conference, Graham officially announced his retirement from the sport in a heartfelt message to the city, the team, and its fans. “I gave everything I had in this, and I don’t have no regrets.”
An emotional Brandon Graham opens his news conference: pic.twitter.com/rHR2424x1D
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 18, 2025
“That’s what I’ll tell my young boys – Don’t have no regrets.” He then went on to recap the incredible journey he had with the franchise.
“First, I just wanna say 15 years ago, I walked into this city as a young man with dreams, big dreams, a little bit of nervousness, and a whole lot of fire in my heart. I had no idea what this journey would bring.”
“I didn’t know how many times I would be tested, I didn’t know how much I would grow, and I surely didn’t know how deeply I would fall in love with these fans, the team, and this city. Today, as I sit here, I just wanna thank God ’cause I know he was the main reason.”
15 years winning Philly over, and calling it home.
The longest tenured Eagle ever goes out a champ 🥹 @brandongraham55 pic.twitter.com/unMWgoefBu
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) March 18, 2025
“That was the main thing – I love my growth, my relationship with him, and just so much that I’ve shared with my teammates and reflecting on my career; it has meant everything to me. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. My entire life has been changed because of this magical place.”
His final message, though, went out to Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie: “To Mr. Lurie, Howie Roseman, Dom, and everyone in the Eagles organization, I want to thank y’all. Thank you for believing in me.”
One of the few players to be on both Super Bowl-winning teams over the last decade, Graham was a Pro Bowler and All-Pro selection. Over the course of 15 years, he played more games for the organization than any other player in franchise history.
Both on and off the field, he became an invaluable part of the city. However, there is some good news for Philadelphia fans as well. While retiring, Graham isn’t completely stepping away from the organization. “I don’t want to just cold turkey leave the game.”
What's next for Brandon Graham?
"I don't want to just cold turkey leave the game."
He says he wants to sit down with Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie.
"We're going to do that and figure out what I can do to be a part of what's going on. We've got some stuff brewing right now, and I…
— Brooks Kubena (@BKubena) March 18, 2025
Instead, he’s going to sit down with Lurie to discuss what comes next. “We’re going to do that and figure out what I can do to be a part of what’s going on. We’ve got some stuff brewing right now, and I want to be sure I can be a help in whatever I do.”
Speaking of the Eagles owner, Lurie also had a message after Graham’s retirement. He ran down his accomplishments, including the game-clinching sack in Super Bowl 52 against Tom Brady, and was extremely complimentary of his player.
Saluting him for his work in building the culture that permeates throughout the locker room, Lurie bookended his quote perfectly.
“Without question, Brandon Graham is the embodiment of everything you would want in a Philadelphia Eagle. He’s a special player and a special person. It’s only fitting that he has played in more games than anyone else in the history of our franchise.”