The World Championship ending deserves a sequel.
The legend of Brandon Graham as a Philadelphia Eagle will continue for a franchise-record 16th season as Graham and the Eagles have agreed to terms on a contract to bring the defensive end back to a 5-2 football team in first place in the NFC East, the team announced on Tuesday morning.
After winning his second Super Bowl and delivering an impassioned speech at the Championship Parade at the Philadelphia Art Museum, Graham held an emotional press conference thanking everyone who played a part in his incredible career up to and through the time the Eagles made him a first-round draft pick in 2010.
But he always stayed in great shape, knew that he left the game at a time when he was still playing at a high level – he was dominating in the game during the regular season against the Los Angeles Rams when he suffered a torn triceps injury and then played well in Super Bowl LIX upon his return from injury – and made sure to remain ready, just in case the itch brought him back to the playing field.
The Eagles gauged his interest to return prior to the start of the 2025 regular season as they built depth at the edge position, but Graham held off on deciding to return. Za'Darius Smith was the veteran the Eagles signed to the young and talented edge room and he played well until announcing his retirement last week.
More conversations with Graham ensued and this time, the team's all-time leader in games played (206) said "yes."
On Tuesday, the sides made it official and Graham joins a room that includes Nolan Smith (on Injured Reserve), Jalyx Hunt, Joshua Uche, Azeez Ojulari, and Patrick Johnson. He adds incredible veteran leadership, versatility to play up and down the defensive line, and enough energy to light up a stadium.
No. 55 – an all-time franchise great, a Pro Bowl player, an All-Pro selection, a team captain, and a player who kept himself in shape while also pursuing a post-playing career – is back.
"Shout out B.G.," Hunt said on Sunday after the win in Minnesota when asked about Graham potentially coming out of retirement. "(He has) a lot of years of experience, so we're just going to use him. I would be excited to have him back. That's the guy."
A two-time Super Bowl Champion. A two-time Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee. The only Eagle to play in more than 200 regular-season games. Third-most sacks in franchise history. The team's first-round pick in 2010, Brandon Graham, unretired and agreed to terms on a contract with the Eagles on Tuesday to play a 16th NFL season. View the best photos from his legendary career.
Brandon Graham's rookie portrait session
Brandon Graham at his introductory press conference in 2010
Brandon Graham at his introductory press conference in 2010
Brandon Graham's first NFL headshot in 2010
Brandon Graham (54) comes out of the tunnel with QB Michael Vick for his first NFL game in 2010 against the Green Bay Packers.
Brandon Graham in his first NFL game against the Green Bay Packers
Brandon Graham and the Eagles beat the Colts in overtime in Week 2 of the 2014 season. It was BG's 50th career regular-season game.
Brandon Graham on the sidelines in Los Angeles as the Eagles played the Chargers in BG's 100th career regular-season game in 2017
Brandon Graham against the Chargers in 2017 which was his 100th regular-season game.
Brandon Graham celebrates the 2020 win over the Giants in his 150th regular-season game.
Brandon Graham celebrates the 2020 win over the Giants in what was his 150th regular-season game.
In his 199th regular-season game, Brandon Graham came up with a sack against the Buccaneers.
Of course, the greatest play in Brandon Graham's career wasn't one of the regular-season
Meet the Grahams.
Brandon Graham celebrates with the fans.
Brandon Graham's captain portrait at Super Bowl LVII in Arizona.
Brandon Graham celebrates the Super Bowl LII win.
Brandon Graham is on the stage at Lincoln Financial Field following the 2022 NFC Championship win.
Brandon Graham helps take down Tony Romo in Dallas.
A cheerful Brandon Graham celebrates the Week 3 win over New Orleans.
Brandon Graham strip-sacks former Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz.
Brandon Graham eyes Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.
Brandon Graham exits the tunnel at Lincoln Financial Field.
Brandon Graham takes down Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Brandon Graham takes down 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Brandon Graham goes on the offensive against the Raiders.
Brandon Graham helps seal the win over the Rams.
Brandon Graham on the hunt
Brandon Graham eyes his prey.
Brandon Graham is a force in the run game as well.
Brandon Graham holds up his helmet.
Brandon Graham was the only Eagle around for the 2010 Kelly Green AND the 2023 Kelly Green throwback uniforms.
You know there was some trash-talking from BG after this play.
Brandon Graham in action against the Cowboys
Brandon Graham is a fan favorite.
Brandon Graham is still bringing the heat in his franchise-record 15th season.
Brandon Graham in a serious moment before the game
Brandon Graham on the sidelines for the national anthem
Brandon Graham makes life miserable for the Giants.
Brandon Graham celebrates the sack.
The Graham's
BG after signing his contract in the 2024 offseason
Two-time Eagles nominee for Walter Payton Man of the Year
Still dominating in Year 15
Super Bowl LIX celebration
Champions once again!
Parade x2
BG recovered just in time for his torn triceps to play in the Super Bowl
2x World Champion
A storybook ending for BG
Hanging up the cleats
Champions
Family
Going out a champion
Retirement press conference
One final time at the podium as a player
Addressing the media with his two trophies
Fletcher Cox and Lane Johnson came to support BG
BG and his kids, Emerson and Bryson overlooking the practice field at the NovaCare Complex
BG and Rocky
The Graham's
A special moment for a special career
BG gving Rocky the cleats
BG applauded by NovaCare Complex staff
Jalen Hurts, his fiancé Bry Burrows, Carlyne and Brandon Graham
Graham is third in Eagles history with 76.5 career sacks and leads the team in career postseason sacks (5.5). In 11 regular-season games last season, Graham had 3.5 sacks and six tackles for loss. He had a sack, two tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, and one pass defended in his final game of the regular season against the Rams, when he suffered a torn triceps.
"It would mean a lot. It would mean a lot," linebacker Nakobe Dean said on Sunday about the news of Graham potentially returning. "No matter if he comes back in any capacity, if he plays every snap or no snaps, it don't matter. The energy that BG brings is unparalleled. So, just to have a guy in the locker room like that, it would be great. And he still can ball, for sure."
He's back, and the Eagles are looking for him to contribute in a number of ways in a rotation that gains some depth, talent, leadership, and energy for the remainder of the season.
