Good guy is an understatement.
Retirement hasn't kept Brandon Graham from being recognized for his tremendous career, both on and off the field. On Wednesday, the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) named Graham as the 21st winner of the Good Guy Award, presented to an NFL player for his "qualities and professional style in helping pro football writers do their jobs." He graciously handled all the responsibilities of being one of the faces of the franchise in an authentic manner, making everyone he came into contact with feel special.
Graham was previously a three-time finalist for the award. It is the fourth time that an Eagle has captured the honor since it was first created in 2005. Chris Long won the award in back-to-back years (2018, 19), and Jason Kelce was the recipient in 2023. No franchise has been recognized more than the Eagles for the Good Guy Award.
One of the most beloved players in Eagles history, Graham was also the team's nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award this past season for the second time in his career. A former first-round pick, Graham spent all 15 seasons in the NFL in Philadelphia, tying a franchise record. He was an All-Pro selection in 2016 and a Pro Bowl honoree in 2020. Graham is one of only four Eagles players to be a part of both Super Bowl Championship teams.
Graham authored one of the greatest defensive plays in Eagles history with a fourth-quarter strip-sack of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII. The Eagles recovered the ball, tacked on a field goal, and held on for the 41-33 triumph to bring the first Lombardi Trophy to Philadelphia.
It didn't appear as if Graham would have a chance to be on the field for the Eagles' second Super Bowl victory after tearing his triceps in November. He overcame insurmountable odds to suit up, play 13 snaps, and even chase down Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes on a scramble in the fourth quarter for his final NFL tackle.
A six-year captain, Graham set the Eagles' record for most regular-season games played with 206. In those contests, he posted 476 tackles, 126 tackles for loss, 153 QB hits, 76.5 sacks, 23 forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries. He added another 12 games, 20 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 10 QB hits, and two forced fumbles in the playoffs.
Beyond the box score stats, Graham engaged everyone with his trademark hearty laugh paired with a jovial smile. It didn't matter the day of the week or the result of the game. If anyone needed a jolt of energy or a pick-me-up, Graham always delivered. And he'll forever be remembered for that as much as his victories on the field.
