Corey Graham could have easily hung up his cleats after winning his second Super Bowl title last year as a member of the Eagles, but the 33-year-old realized how special it was to play in Philadelphia.
"This is different. This is different, man. You see the way the fans were, how loud they were out here today? It's unbelievable. It's unbelievable. It's been like that all last year, and it seems like it's up a few notches this year," said Graham following his first practice at Lincoln Financial Field after he signed a one-year deal on Sunday.
Why wait until the second week of Training Camp to rejoin the team? Fellow safety Malcolm Jenkins joked that Graham, entering his 12th NFL season, pulled a vet move. But Graham wanted to make sure he was ready.
"It's a lot of training. I've been training the past three months, so when it's all said and done, I don't want to just be out here, not doing what I want to be able to do," said Graham, who also played in Chicago, Baltimore, and Buffalo before coming to Philadelphia. "I mean I'm not coming out here, getting beat on every play and things like that. If I feel like I can't play at the level I need to play at then I wouldn't do it. When it's all said and done, I had to make sure my body was going to hold up."
It was a benefit that Graham took his time. Young safeties like Tre Sullivan received more reps and time to learn the defense.
"I think, honestly, it was good that he wasn't here over the last two weeks to get those guys some reps and some real experience against some ones (starters)," Jenkins said. "I think we'll still continue to work those young guys knowing that Corey is an experienced guy, knows the defense."
Graham had told the Eagles from the start of the offseason that he wasn't going to play for another team. It was either the Eagles or retirement. Jenkins never doubted for a second that Graham wouldn't come back.
Will Graham assume the same role that he had in 2017 - third safety in the big nickel package and core special teams player? Graham had 47 total tackles, two interceptions, and six pass deflections in 370 snaps on defense with another 10 tackles coming on special teams in the regular season. He added another 17 stops in the playoffs.
"I just want to play ball and have fun," said Graham, willing to do whatever the team asks of him.
In fact, Graham has been keeping up with the young safeties and has heard good things about Sullivan's performance.
"He's been doing great. I've been checking up to see how he's been playing, things like that. He's doing a great job, out here making plays. He's pretty much in all the positions I was in last year," Graham said.
Graham's return is another testament to the unique chemistry that the team has developed over the past couple of seasons.
The Eagles hosted their first of two public practices this Training Camp at Lincoln Financial Field on August 5. It was also Military Appreciation Night presented by Dietz & Watson.
A Military Appreciation sand sculpture is on display in HeadHouse Plaza during public practice.
The Philadelphia Eagles Drumline performs in HeadHouse Plaza for fans.
A young fan spends some time with Eagles Alumni, LB William Thomas
A fan gets her face painted in HeadHouse Plaza before Open Practice begins.
Young fans enjoying the festivities at Lincoln Financial Field during public practice.
Eagles Alumni, Eagles WR Fred Barnett takes a photo with a fan.
A view of HeadHouse Plaza during Open Practice.
Young fans enjoying public practice festivites at Lincoln Financial Field.
Fans pose for a picture with some of the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders.
Eagles Alumni, DT Hollis Thomas signs autographs for fans.
A young fan smiles for a photo after having her face painted in HeadHouse Plaza.
The Philadelphia Eagles Drumline performs in HeadHouse Plaza for fans during Open Practice.
A young fan tries on Eagles equipment
Head coach Doug Pederson greets military members
Young fans enjoy the festivities at public practice.
Posing with the Lombardi Trophy
Fans spend sometime with SWOOP in HeadHouse Plaza before the start of Open Practice.
All smiles while grabbing autographs
Eagles Alumni, DT Darwin Walker takes a photo with a young fan.
A family stops for a quick photo before heading in for practice.
Fans enjoy posing for a photo behind Eagles gear at public practice.
A young fan enjoys the inflatables in HeadHouse Plaza before public practice begins.
A young fan receives an autograph from Eagles Alumni, DT Hollis Thomas.
DE Brandon Graham shakes hands with military members.
C Jason Kelce shakes greets military members.
Howie Roseman shakes hands with military members.
Military members pose for a picture on the field.
Fans enjoying public practice at Lincoln Financial Field.
Soldiers pose for a picture during public practice.
President Don Smolenski shakes hands with military members.
Linebackers coach Ken Flajole shakes hands with military members
Military members hold the American flag during the National Anthem.
Fans enjoying public practice in the stands.
Head coach Doug peterson shakes military members hands.
The Frog-X Parachute Team lands in Lincoln Financial Field.
The Frog-X Parachute Team lands in Lincoln Financial Field.
DE Chris Long shakes Military members hands.
Soldiers hold the American Flag during the National Anthem.
Fans enjoying public practice in the stands at Lincoln Financial Field.
Master Sergeant Sterling Randolph performs the National Anthem.
Master Sergeant Sterling Randolph performs the National Anthem.
Soldiers pose for a photo on the field during public practice.
The Frog-X Parachute Team lands in Lincoln Financial Field.
The team stretches on field during public practice.
RB Darren Sproles and teammates shake military members hands in the tunnel during public practice.
Rev. Jesse Jackson and Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie take a photo on the sidelines during public practice.
RB Corey Clement shakes military members hands in the tunnel.
Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie addresses the media after the team extended the contracts of Howie Roseman and head coach Doug Pederson.
Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie speaks with the media
WR Alshon Jeffery poses for a photo with a soldier.
T Lane Johnson and teammates shake military members hands.
Huddle
S Malcolm Jenkins
CB Jalen Mills
S Rodney McLeod signs an autograph.
QB Carson Wentz signs an autograph for a young fan.
S Malcom Jenkins autographs a ball for a military member.
QB Carson Wentz takes a picture with a soldier at public practice.
CB Sidney Jones signs an autograph for a soldier.
QB Carson Went takes a selfie with a soldier.
QB Nick Foles poses for a picture with a military member.
WR Alshon Jeffery gives an autographed jersey to a soldier.
K Jake Elliot poses for a photo with a soldier.
WR Bryce Treggs poses for a picture with a soldier.
DE Brandon Graham signs autographs for fans.
A young fan cheers on the team at public practice.
Fans cheer in the stands at public practice.
WR Mack Hollins takes a selfie with his fans.
QB Nick Foles chats with a soldier at public practice.
S Rodney McLeod gives his jersey to a soldier.
T Jason Peters signs autographs for fans at public practice.
C/G Stefen Wisniewski signs autographs for fans.
C Jason Kelce signs autographs for fans after public practice.
