NFL

Eagles DE Brandon Graham Will Retire After 2024 NFL Season

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James Foglio
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James Foglio Sports Editor

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Published24 Jul 2024

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Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham will retire after the 2024 NFL season. Graham, 36, told reporters on the first day of training camp that this is the “last first day” of his playing career.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham has played all 14 seasons with the NFL franchise

“Last first day as a player. I don’t know what the future holds with the organization,” Graham said. “It’s my last year, so just trying to soak it all in, trying to enjoy every day.”

Graham was selected 13th overall by the Eagles in the 2010 NFL draft out of the University of Michigan. The 6-foot-2, 265-pound edge rusher has spent his entire 14-year career with the organization.

The 2024 season will be Graham’s 15th season in Philadelphia, making him the longest-tenured player in franchise history. The Detroit native adapted to a rotational role over the past two seasons.

Through 195 career games (105 starts), he has totals of nine es defended, 21 forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, 73 sacks, 467 tackles, 120 tackles for loss, and 146 quarterback hits.

Graham has the fourth-most sacks, third-most quarterback hits in franchise history

His 73 sacks are the fourth most in Eagles history, trailing Reggie White (124), Trent Cole (85½), and Clyde Simmons (76). He also ranks third in quarterback hits, falling below Fletcher Cox (173) and Cole (149).

In 16 games (all starts) of the 2016 season, he recorded one defended, two forced fumbles, 5½ sacks, and career highs of 59 tackles, 41 solo tackles, and 22 quarterback hits. He was selected second-team All-Pro.

Additionally, in his lone Pro Bowl season in 2020, he posted eight sacks and 16 quarterback hits.

The biggest play of his NFL career occurred in Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots. During the fourth quarter with 2:21 remaining, he strip sacked Tom Brady, forcing a fumble recovered by teammate Derek Barnett. The Eagles went on to win their first and only championship with a final score of 41-33.

Graham has been one of the most respected of the organization for a decade and a half. Although he’ll always be ed as a clutch Eagles lineman, this is his last year as a player.