"I just try to tell everyone my story."
That is what Brandon Graham said after signing a contract extension with the Eagles on Tuesday afternoon.
A big part of his story has been his family.
In 2024, Brandon will play his 15th season with the Eagles, a franchise record. During that time, fans have seen him grow as a player, leader, husband, and father.
"I know it's about winning in this organization," Brandon said. "That is why I am so thankful for being here this long."
Brandon has been married to his wife Carlyne for nine years. Together they have two children, an 8-year-old daughter, Emerson, and a 5-year-old son, Bryson.
For the first time, Brandon's family joined him for a contract signing, a day the family will never forget.
"It is exciting," Brandon said. "We figured we'd do it big for my last hurrah."
As Brandon signed his contract, the family of four took Christmas card-worthy photos in the NovaCare Complex Draft Room to celebrate the moment.
The first person Brandon called after putting pen to paper was quarterback Jalen Hurts, per Bryson's request. The two team captains expressed their excitement for the upcoming season while Bryson was able to talk with one of his favorite players.
The Graham family has fully embraced the City of Philadelphia, making it their permanent home after Bryson was born in 2019. The Grahams spent the first decade of Brandon's career living in their home state of Michigan during the offseason.
"I am glad I haven't moved around much because of the kids," Brandon said. "It has been good staying in Philadelphia. We've built a life here."
"When I describe it to people, I describe Philadelphia as this working city," Carlyne told Brandon on an episode of Eagles Unscripted, presented by Lincoln Financial Group. "Everybody is out here grinding, and they are working. Once they saw you were a grinder and a worker, they embraced you."
The culture of the city and organization has made Philadelphia the perfect place for Brandon and Carlyne to raise their young family.
When discussing contract extensions and what is next for his career, Brandon always consults his family and makes them the top priority in his decision-making.
"Family is a big factor for me," Brandon said. "You want to make sure you are making the right choice for the family and that everyone is happy in that aspect. I know they want to feel included, so that is a big, important piece."
On gamedays, you will often see Brandon embrace his family with hugs and kisses on the sideline or in the tunnel before kickoff, something that has become a family tradition.
What many don't see off the field is what kind of husband and father he is.
Brandon is always there to take Emerson to gymnastics or Bryson to school, making sure that he cherishes those memories and is a major part of his family's everyday life.
"I try not to take those moments for granted," Brandon said on Eagles Unscripted. "I just try to make sure I am there and available and spend that time that you miss with a time-consuming job."
Carlyne credited her husband for being able to leave football "at the stadium," which helps in Brandon's role as a father and is preparing the Grahams for life after the NFL.
While this might be the final year of hugs and kisses on the sideline for Brandon, Carlyne, Emerson, and Bryson, the Graham family will forever be cherished in the City of Brotherly Love as they continue to tell their story.
