Brandon Graham announced his retirement from the NFL after 15 seasons with the Eagles, and that move is now official after paperwork was submitted and the pass rusher was placed on the reserve list
The Brandon Graham era on the field is over. The 15-year veteran announced his retirement from the Eagles and the NFL in an emotional press conference at the NovaCare Complex back in March. Graham thanked Andy Reid, Doug Pederson, Jim Schwartz, and others, but saved his most emotional praise for his wife and kids.
Philadelphia prefers players to file their paperwork for a Post June 1 designation. On June 2, Graham’s paperwork became official, and he joined Terron Armstead (Dolphins), Michael Pierce (Ravens), and Ronald Darby (Texans) as players officially played on the reserve/retired list.
Graham’s 15 seasons played are tied for the most in franchise history, and he sits atop the games played list with 206 regular-season appearances (plus 20 playoff contests). A second-team All-Pro in 2016 and a Pro Bowl selection in 2020, Graham logged 76.5 quarterback sacks in the regular season (plus 5.5 more in the postseason), ranking third in franchise history while playing in three Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl LII and LIX. In the win over New England in Super Bowl LII, Graham ensured he’d always be remembered thanks to his late-game strip-sack of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
With the official news, here’s the instant analysis of Graham’s final moment as a player.
Patience is important
Drafted as a linebacker out of Michigan, Graham struggled his first two seasons, and there was some thought of the edge rusher potentially being a bust. Doug Pederson brought in Jim Schwartz, and the rest is history. Patience helps because, from 2010-16, Graham had 29 sacks in 96 games. From 2017 to 22, Graham evolved, registering 41 sacks in 82 games.
Graham developed into one of the NFL’s top pass rushers
Graham developed into a dual threat, capable of being stout against the run while wrecking games as a pass rusher. Graham’s 76.5 sacks are third in franchise history, and his ability to generate pressure can be considered elite.
The No. 55 will be retired
The Philadelphia Eagles have officially retired nine jersey numbers: 5 (Donovan McNabb), 15 (Steve Van Buren), 20 (Brian Dawkins), 40 (Tom Brookshier), 44 (Pete Retzlaff), 60 (Chuck Bednarik), 70 (Al Wistert), 92 (Reggie White), and 99 (Jerome Brown). LeSean McCoy is in the ring of honor, and Jason Kelce and Graham will undoubtedly follow. You can’t retire every number, but Kelce will certainly be a Pro Football Hall of Fame nominee, and Graham’s resume deserves 55 going away forever, as well. Eagles traded up to draft Brandon Graham in 2010, and 15 years later, Graham played 206 games (most in Eagles history), won 2 Super Bowl rings, and registered 153 QB hits, 126 TFLs, and 76.5 sacks.