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Brandon Graham
Brandon Graham
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Brandon Lee Graham (born April 3, 1988)[1] is an American professional football defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, earning first-team All-American honors in 2009. Graham was selected by the Eagles in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft with the 13th overall selection and the first from the Big Ten Conference.

Key Information

In high school, he was a highly decorated and highly rated linebacker who served as captain for the 2006 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He was listed on numerous All-American lists and was a finalist for some of the highest individual honors a high school football player can earn.

Graham was the 2009 Big Ten Conference co-MVP as recognized by the Chicago Tribune Silver Football award. He was the 2009 FBS tackles for a loss (per game) champion after finishing second in 2008 by 0.01 tackles for loss per game. He was the 2008 and 2009 Big Ten Conference tackles for loss leader. After completing his career as defensive end for the 2009 Michigan Wolverines football team, he had a total of 29.5 career sacks and 56 career tackles for loss for the Michigan Wolverines football team. In 2008, he led the Big Ten Conference in tackles for loss, with 20 in 11 games. In 2009, he posted 26 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in 12 games. As a member of the 2008 Michigan Wolverines football team he earned Second-team 2008 Big Ten All-conference recognition from both the coaches and the media.[2] He was a finalist for the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football Hendricks Award. He was a First-team 2009 All-Big Ten selection by the coaches and media.[3] He was named to several First-team and Second-team 2009 All-America lists by various publications. Graham was also named MVP of the 2010 Senior Bowl.

Graham was a second team 2016 All-Pro selection and a 2020 Pro Bowl selection. He led the Super Bowl LII champion Philadelphia Eagles in quarterback sacks with 9.5 during the 2017 NFL season. Graham is responsible for one of the biggest plays in Philadelphia sports history, as he posted a pivotal strip sack on Tom Brady in the closing minutes of Super Bowl LII, which was the franchise's first Super Bowl victory. He was also a member of the 2024 team which won Super Bowl LIX. Graham has played more games and more seasons for the Eagles than any other player.[4]

Early life

[edit]

As a youth, Graham played football for the Police Athletic League Detroit Giants for seven years until joining the eighth grade team.[5] Born and raised in Detroit, Graham attended Crockett Vocational Tech, a school that began participating in Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) football competitions in 1996 and that did not have a proper locker room for its football team before moving in his senior season. Since the football field had no lights, parents had to shine their car lights on the field for late practices.[6] At Crockett, Graham, who had been playing competitive football since age seven,[7] was expected to make an immediate impact upon joining the football team's starting lineup as a sophomore,[8] and at the end of the season he was recognized as an honorable mention lineman 2003 All-Detroit selection by The Detroit News.[9]

As a junior, Graham served as linebacker, offensive guard, placekicker, and punter for his team, and he led his team to the MHSAA state championships, while becoming one of three juniors named to the 2004 First-team All-Detroit team with one source listing him as a placekicker and the other as a linebacker on the team.[7][10][11] Crockett won Detroit Public School League Division 1 championship game at Ford Field and entered the Division 5 MHSAA semifinals with a 12–0 record, but Crockett lost 9–0 to defending state champion Lumen Christi Catholic School.[6][12] In addition to recording 91 tackles (20 for a loss), he maintained a 3.8 grade point average.[11] In one game, he posted twelve tackles, four sacks, four forced fumbles, two blocked punts and scored on a 78-yard fake punt.[13] He was selected for the Associated Press first-team Class B all-state team as a linebacker.[14]

In high school, Rivals.com ranked Graham as the top class of 2006 high school football prospect in the state of Michigan, the number two inside linebacker prospect and the overall fifteenth best prospect in the nation.[15] Scout.com listed him as the number three linebacker in the nation and described him as the number one overall prospect in the midwest.[16] Scout also described him as "arguably the best inside linebacker in the nation".[17] ESPNU ranked him as the number two inside linebacker and number thirty-one prospect in the nation.[18] Recruiting analyst Tom Lemming, listed Graham as the best linebacker in the country for USA Today.[19] The Atlanta Journal-Constitution listed him at 15th among their national top 25 prospects.[20]

Entering his senior season, he was the overwhelming selection as the best high school football player in the state of Michigan according to The Detroit News.[7] He had run a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at the Nike Summer football camp.[7] As a senior, he intended to also play tight end and fullback.[7] One Detroit News preseason analysts listed him at linebacker, tight end and offensive guard.[21] During the season, after missing four weeks to a knee injury, Graham was chosen as one of 78 players to participate in the January 7, 2006 U.S. Army All-American Bowl at the Alamodome. He was also named as a finalist for both the Parade All-America High School player of the year (The high school equivalent of the Heisman Trophy) and the Walter Payton Trophy.[22][23] He was elected captain of the East team at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and recorded four tackles as well as a blocked field goal in the game that also featured two of his Michigan teammates: (Justin Boren and Stevie Brown).[24][25] There were only 16 finalists for the Parade award, including future Michigan teammate Stephen Schilling and future Heisman-winner Tim Tebow.[26] Graham led his team to a rematch against Lumen Christi, which they lost 35–21 in the MHSAA Division 5 district championship game.[27] In Graham's three years at Crockett, they went undefeated in the regular season and as a senior he was again selected to the All-Detroit first-team as a linebacker.[28] Graham was also selected as to the Associated Press Class B All-State football team as its player of the year.[29] The Detroit News selected him to the All-Class state Dream Team.[30] He was also selected as the All-class statewide best linebacker as part of the inaugural class of The Michigan Prep Football Great 8 awarded by the Mid-Michigan Touchdown Club for being best at his position in the state.[31] By his senior year, he had a 3.2 grade point average.[24]

Since Graham was the first Michigan athlete to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, he was not aware that he was violating Michigan state rules by participating in an out-of-state all-star game. He had to surrender his high school athletic eligibility for the winter and spring seasons. During his time away from athletics, he overate and added 40 pounds (18 kg). Although he had been recruited as a linebacker, with the additional weight he was moved to defensive end. As he lost the excess weight he began to realize that he could excel at a lighter weight.[32]

For his athletic excellence, Graham received many honors. Among the recognition he received are Parade Magazine All-American, EA Sports All-American, USA Today All-USA High School All-America first team (No. 14 player in the nation by USA Today), Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year, first player from the state of Michigan to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, 2005 Detroit News No. 1 Blue Chip prospect, and No. 2 on the Detroit Free Press Best of the Midwest rankings.[1] In addition, he was recognized as one of ten top prep athletes in Michigan in 2005–2006, including men and women from all sports, as a 2006 McDonald's-Powerade Tomorrow's Winners honoree at the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame dinner.[33]

College recruiting information
Name Hometown School Height Weight 40 Commit date
Brandon Graham
LB
Detroit, Michigan Crockett Vocational Tech (MI) 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 250.5 lb (113.6 kg) 4.65 Feb 20, 2005 
Recruit ratings: Scout: 5/5 stars   Rivals: 5/5 stars   (86)
Overall recruit ranking:   Scout: 3 (LB)    Rivals: 15, 2 (ILB), 1 (MI)    ESPN: 31, 2 (ILB)
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, On3, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "Michigan Football Commitments". Rivals. Retrieved October 1, 2009.
  • "2006 Michigan Football Commits". Scout. Retrieved October 1, 2009.
  • "ESPN". ESPN. Retrieved October 1, 2009.
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout. Retrieved October 1, 2009.
  • "2006 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved October 1, 2009.

College career

[edit]
Graham played for the University of Michigan Wolverines in college.

Lloyd Carr era

[edit]

Graham arrived at Michigan measuring 295 pounds (134 kg) and 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m).[34] Graham was initially listed as a linebacker at Michigan,[35] but before the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season started for the 2006 Michigan Wolverines football team he switched to defensive end.[36] Graham was (along with Greg Matthews, Carlos Brown, Brandon Minor, and Stevie Brown) one of five true freshmen to play in the season opening game.[37] Graham was the backup for 2006 Lombardi Award and 2006 Ted Hendricks Award winner LaMarr Woodley.[34] Graham also performed as a reserve defensive tackle during the season.[38] Graham made his first tackle for Michigan on October 28 against Northwestern and recorded his first sack and forced fumble on November 11 against Indiana.[1]

As the 2007 Michigan Wolverines football team prepared for the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season, Graham got some unusual news off the field when he found out that he had been given a perfect 99 rating in the NCAA 2008 EA Sports even though his star teammates Chad Henne, Jake Long and Mike Hart had not.[39] Also, off the field, Graham was issued a ticket playing loud music in a vehicle on July 24 and missed the September 18 court date after pleading not guilty. This caused a judge to issue an arrest warrant for failing to appear in court on a disorderly conduct charge.[40] The charges were dropped under the belief that he had been misidentified.[41] At the start of training camp, he weighed 262 pounds (119 kg) and was the projected starter at defensive end.[34][42] Although projected to as the starter, Graham played sparingly in the opening game loss to two-time defending FCS champions Appalachian State Mountaineers on September 1. Head coach Lloyd Carr noted his disfavor with Graham at the start of the season: "Brandon, he needs to get focused," Carr said, "and do the things that he's capable of doing."[43] He was disappointed in Graham's efforts in practice.[44] In the third game, on September 15 against Notre Dame Graham recorded 3.5 sacks in the rivalry game to help lead Michigan to its first win of the season.[45] The following week, he had 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in a victory against Penn State.[46] Over the course of the season, he started six games at defensive end.[47] He led the team in sacks with 8.5 and was second in forced fumbles with 3.[1] He ranked seventh in the Big Ten for both statistics.[48] He was a mid-season Ted Hendricks Award watch list candidate.[49]

Rich Rodriguez era

[edit]
Graham tackles Terrelle Pryor during 2008 Michigan – Ohio State rivalry game

Graham, who had been troubled by conditioning issues the prior season, arrived at spring practice in very good shape, which pleased newly arrived head coach Rich Rodriguez,[50] who was welcomed by a defensive line composed entirely of returning starters, including Graham.[51] Graham began the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season as a Hendricks award watch list candidate for the 2008 Michigan Wolverines football team.[52] However, the team began the season unranked in the Associated Press poll for the first time in 23 years.[53] On September 27 Graham had 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles against the Wisconsin Badgers,[54] and he was named Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Week.[55] Prior to the October 25 Paul Bunyan Trophy game against Michigan State, Graham guaranteed a victory. Although the team lost 35–21, Graham again recorded three sacks.[56] Graham finished the season with 10 sacks.[57] He led the Big Ten with 20 tackles for a loss and 1.82 tackles for loss per game and was second with 0.91 sacks/game.[58] He ranked second nationally in tackles for loss and tied for eleventh in sacks.[59][60] After the season, he was recognized as a 2008 Second-team All-Big Ten Conference selection by both the coaches and the media.[2] Graham was selected as the team Most Valuable Player.[61]

Graham in the first wave as the 2009 Michigan Wolverines football team storms into Michigan Stadium
Graham during coin toss with Tim Hiller and teammates Carlos Brown, Zoltan Mesko and Mark Ortmann.
Theo Riddick carries the ball as Graham breaks through the line during 2009 Michigan-Notre Dame rivalry game.
Graham on 2009 Fan Day

Graham began the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season as a watch lists candidate for the Bednarik Award, Hendricks Award, Lombardi Award, Lott Trophy, and Nagurski Trophy for the 2009 Michigan Wolverines football team.[62] He was also selected by ESPN as the 10th best player in the Big Ten Conference before the season started.[63] He concluded the season as the Chicago Tribune Silver Football recipient as the Big Ten co-MVP (with Daryll Clark). He was the seventh defensive player to earn the award and second in the last 25 years as well as the first co-recipient.[64] Graham was the first player from a losing team in eight years and only the second player to win who was not either Big Ten offensive or defensive player of the year.[65] He posted 26 tackles for loss in 12 games, which led the nation with 2.17 average tackles for a loss per game (ahead of conference rival O'Brien Schofield who was second with 1.884).[66][67] His total of 10.5 sacks ranked fourth in the Big Ten Conference.[67] Four times during the season, he recorded multiple sack games and he had three solo tackles for losses in four games. He ended his career at Michigan with 9 tackles for losses (8 solo and 2 assists) in his final two games, including a career-high 5 solo tackles for losses against Ohio State in the 2009 rivalry game, which was the final game of his career.[68] Graham was one of seven finalists for the Hendricks Award.[69] At the conclusion of the season he was a 2009 First-team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches and media.[3] He was a First-team 2009 College Football All-America Team selection by ESPN, Rivals.com and Scout.com,[70][71][72] and he was a Second-team All-American defensive line selection by the Walter Camp Football Foundation, Associated Press, Sports Illustrated, College Football News and The Sporting News.[73][74][75][76][77] He was an honorable mention All-American by Pro Football Weekly (which had no second team).[78] Graham was again selected as the team MVP,[79] which made him the school's first defensive player to be two-time MVP.[1] As of December 2009, Graham was the only Big Ten player on Mel Kiper Jr.'s "Big Board" Top 25.[65] Brandon Graham earned MVP honors at the January 30, 2010 Senior Bowl with five tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble.[80]

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 1+38 in
(1.86 m)
268 lb
(122 kg)
32+14 in
(0.82 m)
9+78 in
(0.25 m)
4.72 s 1.65 s 2.77 s 4.25 s 7.01 s 31.5 in
(0.80 m)
9 ft 3 in
(2.82 m)
31 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[81][82]

At the NFL Combine, Graham ranked 8th among defensive linemen with a 4.72 40-yard dash and 10th in the bench press with 31.[83][84]

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Graham in the first round (13th overall) of the 2010 NFL draft.[85] The Philadelphia Eagles acquired the selection after trading their first round pick (24th overall), third round pick (70th overall), and an additional third round pick (87th overall) to the Denver Broncos. Graham was the first defensive and Big Ten Conference player selected in the 2010 NFL Draft.[86] He decided to wear number 94 for the Eagles immediately after the draft,[87] but changed his mind and chose number 54.[88]

Graham pressures Indianapolis Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning during a 2010 game

On July 29, 2010, the Eagles signed Graham to a five-year, $16.90 million contract that includes $12.67 million guaranteed.[89] Graham entered training camp slated as a starting defensive end. Head coach Andy Reid named Graham and Trent Cole the starting defensive ends to begin the regular season.[90]

He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the Eagles' season-opener against the Green Bay Packers, but did not record a statistic during their 27–20 loss. The following week, he recorded two solo tackles and made his first career sack during a 35–32 win at the Detroit Lions on Lions' quarterback Shaun Hill for a two-yard loss during the first quarter.[91] On November 28, 2010, Graham collected a season-high three solo tackles and made one sack during a 31–26 loss at the Chicago Bears in Week 12. On December 12, 2010, Graham suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during 30–27 victory at the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14. On December 14, 2010, the Philadelphia Eagles placed Graham on the injured reserve list.[92] He underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee on December 21.[93]

He was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list on July 28, 2011, before the start of training camp.[94] He was removed from the physically unable to perform list so he could return to practice on October 24 and was activated on November 5, 2011.[95]

In the 2012 season, Graham appeared in 16 games and started six. He finished with 5.5 sacks, 38 total tackles, one pass defended, and two forced fumbles.[96]

In 2013, he moved from defensive end to linebacker.[97][98] Many people had predicted he would become a linebacker at the professional level back when he was still in college.[99] He finished the 2013 season with three sacks, 20 total tackles, and one forced fumble in 16 games.[100]

In the 2014 season, Graham finished with 5.5 sacks, 47 total tackles, and four forced fumbles in 16 games and one start.[101] His four forced fumbles finished fourth in the NFL.[102]

After coming close to signing with the New York Giants in 2015, Graham signed a 4-year $26 million contract with $14 million guaranteed with the Eagles to remain with the team.[103] In the 2015 season, Graham finished with 6.5 sacks, 51 total tackles, and one pass defended in 16 games and ten starts.[104]

Graham talks to the media post-game in 2017

He posted 59 tackles, two forced fumbles, and 5.5 sacks for the 2016 Philadelphia Eagles.[105] Following the 2016 NFL season, in which he moved back to defensive end under new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, he was named to the 2016 All-Pro 2nd Team by the Associated Press.[106] He was also named a first team All-Pro by Pro Football Focus and All-National Football Conference (NFC) by the Pro Football Writers Association.[107][108] and was rated as the ninth best player in the NFL[109] by Pro Football Focus. He was ranked 93rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.[110]

In his 2017 season debut, he recorded four tackles, two sacks, and a pass deflection in the Eagles' 30–17 win over the Washington Redskins.[111] He earned multiple performance bonuses for the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles when he posted 9.5 sacks and 47 tackles.[112] His 9.5 sacks led the team and were a career-high.[113][114] During the 2017–18 NFL playoffs, he tallied two tackles for a loss in the final drive against the Atlanta Falcons on January 13.[115] With 2:21 remaining in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LII, he strip sacked Tom Brady, forcing a fumble recovered by teammate Derek Barnett. The Eagles won 41–33.[116][117]

On May 16, 2018, it was revealed that Graham underwent ankle surgery earlier in the month, meaning that he missed some offseason practices.[118] In 2018, he recorded 39 combined tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble in 16 games and starts.[119][120]

On March 1, 2019, Graham signed a three-year, $40 million contract extension with the Eagles through the 2021 season.[121] In week 5 of the 2019 season against the New York Jets, Graham sacked Luke Falk three times in the 31–6 win.[122] In week 8 against the Buffalo Bills, Graham recorded a strip sack on Josh Allen and recovered the ball in the 31–13 win.[123] He finished the 2019 season with 8.5 sacks, 50 total tackles (35 solo), and one forced fumble.[124]

In the 2020 season, Graham had eight sacks, 46 total tackles (35 solo), and two forced fumbles in 16 games and starts.[125] He was named to the Pro Bowl for the 2020 season.[126] He was ranked 99th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.[127]

Graham in January 2021

Graham signed a one-year contract extension with the Eagles on March 15, 2021.[128]

In Week 2 of the 2021 season, Graham suffered a torn Achilles and was placed on season-ending injured reserve on September 21, 2021.[129]

After recording 2.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, a pass defended, five quarterback hits and a forced fumble in week three of the 2022 season against the Washington Commanders,[130] Graham was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for the first time in his career.[131] In Week 14, Graham had three sacks, four tackles, and a forced fumble in a 48–22 win over the Giants,[132] earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week, his second of the season.[133] Graham helped the Eagles reach Super Bowl LVII. It was Graham's second appearance in the Super Bowl. The Eagles lost 38–35 to the Kansas City Chiefs.[134]

On March 10, 2023, Graham re-signed with the Eagles on a one-year contract.[135] At the time, Graham was the longest tenured Eagle with 178 regular-season games played. In 2023, Graham tied Chuck Bednarik for most years as an Eagle with 14 seasons.[136] On November 26, 2023, Graham passed David Akers' franchise record of 188 regular-season games played for the Eagles.[4]

On March 9, 2024, Graham signed a one-year contract extension with the Eagles.[137] In Week 12, he tore his triceps in the 37–20 win over the Los Angeles Rams, causing him to miss the remainder of the season; prior to the injury, he posted 13 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, 13 QB hurries, and 19 QB pressures.[138] He was activated off injured reserve on February 8, 2025 in time for Super Bowl LIX.[139] In Super Bowl LIX, Graham recorded one tackle in 13 snaps on defense as the Eagles won 40–22 over the Kansas City Chiefs. Graham also is one of just four players to appear on both Eagles Super Bowl-winning teams, along with Lane Johnson, Jake Elliott, and Rick Lovato.[140] However, Graham also re-tore his triceps during the game and underwent surgery shortly thereafter.[141]

During a press conference on March 18, 2025, Graham announced his retirement from professional football.[142] Graham was one of a dozen Eagles players of the Super Bowl LIX championship team that did not participate in the White House visit in April 2025.[143]

After the Eagles' defensive line suffered key losses to start the 2025 season, reports began to surface that Graham was considering coming out of retirement. On October 20, 2025, it was announced that Graham finalized a contract to return to the Eagles.[144] On December 14, 2025, against the Las Vegas Raiders, Graham recorded two sacks of former teammate Kenny Pickett. In doing so, Graham became the oldest player in Eagles history to record a sack, passing hall of famer Richard Dent.[145]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Legend
Won the Super Bowl
Bold Career high
Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck FF FR Yds Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD
2010 PHI 13 6 13 12 1 3.0 2 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2011 PHI 3 0 4 4 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2012 PHI 16 6 38 30 8 5.5 2 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1
2013 PHI 16 0 19 15 4 3.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2014 PHI 16 1 46 35 11 5.5 4 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2015 PHI 16 10 51 39 12 6.5 3 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1
2016 PHI 16 16 59 41 18 5.5 2 1 4 0 0 0.0 0 0 1
2017 PHI 15 15 47 33 14 9.5 2 1 16 0 0 0.0 0 0 2
2018 PHI 16 16 39 31 8 4.0 1 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 2
2019 PHI 16 16 50 35 15 8.5 1 2 4 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2020 PHI 16 16 46 35 11 8.0 2 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2021 PHI 2 2 2 2 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2022 PHI 17 1 35 19 16 11.0 2 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1
2023 PHI 17 0 16 11 5 3.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1
2024 PHI 11 1 20 15 5 3.5 1 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 2
2025 PHI 9 0 8 4 4 3.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
Career 215 106 495 363 132 79.5 22 7 24 0 0 0.0 0 0 11

Personal life

[edit]

Graham is a Christian.[146] He is married to Carlyne Graham.[147]

In 2022, Graham provided vocals on the Christmas album A Philly Special Christmas.[148]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Brandon Graham (born April 3, 1988) is an American professional football for the of the (), renowned for his longevity and impact as the franchise's longest-tenured player. A native of , , Graham played at the , where he earned All-Big Ten honors and was named the conference's Defensive Lineman of the Year as a senior in 2009. The Eagles selected him in the first round (13th overall) of the , marking the beginning of a career that has spanned over 15 seasons with the team. Throughout his tenure, Graham has amassed 76.5 career sacks, including a career-high 11 in 2022, and contributed significantly to the Eagles' defensive success, earning selections in 2019 and 2020. He played a key role in the Eagles' victory in 2018 and their triumph over the in February 2025, where Philadelphia's defense dominated in a 40-22 win. In the 2024 season, Graham suffered a torn injury that caused him to miss six games, but he returned for the and contributed to the championship run before briefly retiring in . On October 21, 2025, at age 37, he announced his return from to bolster the Eagles' amid injuries to other players, reaffirming his status as a franchise cornerstone.

Early life and high school

Family background and upbringing

Brandon Lee Graham was born on April 3, 1988, in , , to Tasha Graham and . Graham grew up in a working-class household in a challenging urban environment marked by 's economic struggles and rough neighborhoods during the late 1980s and 1990s. His mother, Tasha, who had overcome as a child, worked long hours at a auto plant to provide for the family, instilling values of perseverance and hard work from an early age. Although accounts vary on family dynamics, with some describing Tasha as a navigating hardships alone, Graham has publicly credited both parents for their guidance, noting their emphasis on discipline to steer him away from street troubles. The family's focus on structure and education played a key role in Graham's development, as his parents kept him occupied with schoolwork and extracurricular activities to build resilience amid the city's socioeconomic pressures. Raised with a strong sense of , Graham later reflected on how his mother's and his father's involvement in enforcing routines helped shape his character. While became a significant part of his life later, the foundational emphasis on moral grounding and community ties in his upbringing contributed to his personal motivations. Graham's initial foray into sports came at age seven, when he joined the Police Athletic League's Detroit Giants football team, sparking a passion that dominated his youth. Though he briefly considered other activities, his commitment to football solidified by middle school, where he transitioned from youth leagues to more competitive play, laying the groundwork for his high school athletic pursuits.

High school athletic achievements

Brandon Graham attended Detroit Crockett Technical High School in , , where he developed into one of the state's premier prospects. Playing primarily as a linebacker while also contributing at , Graham demonstrated versatility and dominance on both sides of the ball during his four-year varsity career from 2002 to 2005. Over his high school tenure, Graham amassed 307 tackles, 112 tackles for loss, and 56 sacks, along with 16 fumble recoveries, six forced fumbles, and two interceptions. In his senior year of 2005, despite missing time due to and playing in only seven games, he recorded 98 tackles, 47 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, two interceptions, and six forced fumbles, earning recognition as one of the top defensive performers in . His disruptive presence helped Crockett achieve a strong season, culminating in an 11-1 overall record. Graham's excellence was honored with two All-State selections, including Class B Player of the Year as a senior, as well as All-American accolades from , , and . He was named the Michigan Football Player of the Year for the 2005-2006 season and served as captain of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. These achievements, combined with scholarship offers from several major universities, led him to commit to the . Beyond football, Graham thrived in track and field, competing in shot put and discus events during his junior year in 2004. His family support played a key role in fueling his athletic drive throughout high school.

College career

Recruitment and freshman year

Graham was one of the most sought-after high school football prospects in the class of 2006, rated as a five-star recruit and the top player in Michigan by multiple scouting services, including Rivals.com, which ranked him as the No. 2 inside linebacker nationally. Hailing from Crockett Vocational Technical High School in Detroit, he received scholarship offers from a host of elite programs, including Ohio State, Michigan State, Florida State, Florida, and Illinois, among others. Despite the competition, Graham committed to the University of Michigan on National Signing Day, citing the program's familial atmosphere and his desire to represent his home state as decisive factors; he had visited Michigan State camps but felt an immediate connection at Michigan, describing it as feeling "like home." Enrolling at in the fall of 2006 as a true , Graham transitioned to and earned his first while appearing in 11 games as a reserve under Lloyd . He recorded three tackles and shared in one sack during the season, with his first career tackle coming against Northwestern on October 28 and his initial sack against on November 11. Despite the limited statistical output, Graham's early exposure helped him begin adapting to the speed and physical demands of Big Ten competition, where he initially played at around 290 pounds after arriving overweight from high school. Graham's freshman year also presented personal adjustments beyond the field, including academic and motivational hurdles as he navigated the rigors of college life. Described by contemporaries as carrying over a case of high school , he struggled with discipline in the classroom and early on, weighing over 300 pounds at times and facing criticism for his initial lack of focus. These challenges were compounded by the transition to a new environment, though the structured team culture under final seasons—marked by emphasis on discipline and camaraderie—fostered early bonding among the young roster, helping Graham lay the groundwork for his development.

Lloyd Carr coaching era

During the 2007 season, Brandon Graham emerged as a key contributor on Michigan's defensive line under head coach , starting all 13 games at . He recorded 25 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and a team-leading 8.5 sacks, showcasing his pass-rushing prowess in a 4-3 defensive alignment that prioritized gap control and fundamental technique. One of Graham's standout performances came in Michigan's 14-9 upset victory over No. 10 Penn State on September 22, where he tallied 3 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks, helping to limit the Nittany Lions to just 9 points in the Big Ten opener. Graham's efforts were integral to the Wolverines' 9-4 overall record (6-2 in conference play), culminating in a 41-35 triumph over in the Capital One Bowl on January 1, 2008, which served as a fitting capstone to Carr's final season. Graham benefited from Carr's traditional defensive philosophy, which emphasized discipline, pursuit angles, and physicality over complex blitz packages, allowing the sophomore to refine his skills in a stable system. He received valuable guidance from senior mentors such as and Rondell Biggs, who helped him transition from his freshman-year acclimation to a more dominant role. By mid-season, Graham had bulked up to approximately 270 pounds on his 6-foot-2 frame, enhancing his power against offensive linemen while maintaining agility for edge rushing. His breakout campaign earned him honorable mention recognition on the All-Big Ten teams selected by both coaches and media.

Rich Rodriguez coaching era

Brandon Graham entered the Rich Rodriguez era as a junior in 2008, facing significant adaptation challenges following the coaching transition from Lloyd Carr's pro-style system to Rodriguez's high-tempo , which increased defensive workloads due to more opponent possessions and a thinner rotation. The Wolverines finished 3-9 that year, marking their first losing record since and ending a 32-year streak of winning seasons. Despite the team's struggles and injuries plaguing the defensive line, including limited depth that forced Graham into heavy snaps, he started all 11 games he played, recording 46 tackles (29 solo), a Big Ten-leading 20 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks, emerging as a disruptive force and earning second-team All-Big Ten honors from both coaches and media. In his senior year of 2009, Graham built on his foundational development from the Carr era to better handle the scheme changes, serving as a vocal leader and team captain amid the ongoing turmoil of Rodriguez's tenure, which included an NCAA investigation into practice time violations. He started all 12 games, amassing 64 tackles (42 solo), a national-leading 26 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks, while earning co-Big Ten honors via the Chicago Tribune Silver Football, Associated Press second-team All-American recognition, and team MVP for the second time in his career. The defense continued to face strain from the offensive scheme and personnel losses, contributing to Michigan's 5-7 finish—the program's second straight losing season—but Graham's production solidified his status as the unit's cornerstone. Following the 2009 season, Graham declared early for the , capping his college career with 29.5 sacks (second in history) and 56 tackles for loss (third all-time), while providing stability during a period of program upheaval that ultimately led to Rodriguez's dismissal after the 2010 campaign. His extended off the field, where he motivated teammates through the coaching transition's challenges, drawing on prior experience to foster resilience.

NFL career

2010 NFL Draft and rookie season

The Philadelphia Eagles selected defensive end Brandon Graham from the University of Michigan with the 13th overall pick in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, trading up from the 24th position by sending their first-, fourth-, and sixth-round picks to the Denver Broncos. Graham's college accolades, including second-team All-America honors in 2009, positioned him as a top pass-rushing prospect expected to bolster the Eagles' defensive line. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he impressed with a 4.71-second 40-yard dash and 31 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press, showcasing his explosive athleticism despite his 6-foot-1, 268-pound frame. Following the draft, Graham signed a five-year contract worth $16.908 million, including a $10.724 million , making him the seventh first-round pick to reach an agreement that year. He joined a defensive line led by veterans Darren Howard and in Andy Reid's 4-3 scheme under Sean , requiring an adjustment from his college role to a more disciplined, gap-sound technique emphasizing hand usage and edge setting. In his rookie season, Graham appeared in 13 games with 6 starts, primarily contributing in rotational pass-rush duties and on special teams while learning behind starter Darren Howard. He recorded 13 total tackles (12 solo, 1 assisted) and 3.0 sacks, including one in a Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears, but his snaps were limited to about 20% of defensive plays due to the established depth chart and his ongoing adaptation to the professional level. His season ended prematurely on December 14 when he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during a game against the New York Giants, requiring microfracture surgery and placing him on injured reserve.

Philadelphia Eagles tenure (2011–2024)

Following a rookie season hampered by injuries that served as an early , Brandon Graham settled into a backup role with the from 2011 to 2013, appearing in 35 games with 6 starts and recording 8.5 total sacks across those years. He showed promise in 2012 with 5.5 sacks in 16 games, contributing to the defensive line rotation under head coach . In July 2015, amid the era, Graham signed a four-year, $26 million contract extension with $14 million guaranteed, securing his future with the team just before free agency. Under Kelly from 2013 to 2015, Graham experienced increased production in 2014, appearing in all 16 games with 1 start and tallying 5.5 sacks while forcing four fumbles, contributing as a key pass rusher on a defense that ranked top-10 in sacks. He maintained solid production in 2015 with 6.5 sacks before Kelly's departure. Transitioning to Pederson's staff in 2016, Graham continued as a rotational player with 5.5 sacks that year. From 2017 to 2020 under Pederson, Graham emerged as a full-time starter and defensive leader, posting 9.5 sacks in 2017 to lead the Eagles en route to their victory, highlighted by his game-sealing strip sack on in the fourth quarter that forced a and preserved a 41-33 win over the . Named a team captain starting in 2019, he added 8.5 sacks in 2019 and was selected to his first following the 2019 season. In 2020, he recorded 8.0 sacks over 16 games and 16 starts. In March 2019, he inked a three-year, $40 million extension through 2021, with $21 million guaranteed. In 2021, Graham's season was cut short after suffering a torn in Week 3 against the , limiting him to 2 games with 0 sacks. He rebounded in 2022 with a career-high 11.0 sacks in 17 games (1 start), anchoring the opposite Josh Sweat in a rotational capacity. He played a pivotal role in the Eagles' NFC Championship appearance after the 2022 season. In 2023, Graham recorded 3.0 sacks in 17 games amid a Wild Card playoff exit. In March 2021, he agreed to a restructured one-year extension worth approximately $20 million over two years to aid the team's . In 2024, Graham suffered a torn injury that caused him to miss six regular-season games, but he returned for the playoffs and contributed to the victory; he tallied 3.5 sacks in 11 regular-season games. By the end of the 2024 season, Graham had amassed 76.5 career sacks, ranking third in Eagles history.

2025 retirement and return

On March 18, 2025, Brandon Graham announced his retirement from the after 15 seasons, all with the , citing a desire to spend more time with his family and the cumulative physical wear on his body from a long career marked by injuries. As part of his retirement, Graham signed a one-day ceremonial with the Eagles, allowing him to officially retire as a member of the franchise where he spent his entire career. In his farewell , he reflected on his contributions to the team's two victories and his place in franchise history, including holding the record for most regular-season games played (206) and ranking third all-time in sacks with 76.5 entering retirement. In October 2025, Graham reversed his decision and came out of retirement following the sudden exit of Za'Darius Smith, who retired unexpectedly on October 13, leaving the Eagles' depleted. He signed a short-term, one-year deal prorated for the remainder of the 2025 season to help bolster the defensive line. As of November 16, 2025, Graham had appeared in 2 games for the Eagles since being added to the active roster on November 3, recording 0 sacks while embracing a partial-season, rotational role to manage his workload at age 37. He expressed a commitment to contributing selectively through the season's end without a full-time starting commitment. This return underscored his enduring impact, as he entered 2025 third in Eagles history with 76.5 regular-season sacks and the franchise leader in postseason sacks with 5.5.

Career statistics and achievements

Regular season and postseason stats

Brandon Graham amassed 487 tackles, 76.5 sacks, and 22 forced fumbles across 207 regular-season games in his career as of November 16, 2025. His statistical output reflects a steady progression from a rotational player to a consistent double-digit sack producer in his later years. In 2024, Graham missed 6 games due to a torn injury but returned for the , contributing to the Eagles' victory. Following a brief , he returned on October 21, 2025, and has played 1 game through week 10 with no statistics added yet. The table below summarizes select years from his regular-season performance, highlighting key milestones such as his rookie output and peak production.
YearGames PlayedTacklesSacksForced Fumbles
2010131201
201416475.51
20221735110
Career Totals20748776.522
Graham's sack production notably increased after the 2013 season, with 59.5 of his 76.5 sacks occurring from 2014 onward, demonstrating improved pass-rush efficiency. His average of 0.37 sacks per game underscores his impact as a . In the postseason, Graham has appeared in 15 games, accumulating 25 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and additional disruptions including a forced fumble in that shifted momentum for the . These efforts contributed to his team's playoff successes, with his sacks often coming in critical situations, including the 2024 postseason run to .

Awards, honors, and records

Brandon Graham earned his first and only selection following the , where he led the in sacks (8.0), tackles for loss (13), and pressures (36). He was also named a Pro Bowl alternate in 2016 after leading the league in combined tackles and sacks among non-starting defensive ends. Graham received second-team honors from the in both 2016 and 2020, recognizing his contributions as an . As a key member of the Eagles' defense, Graham contributed to two victories, winning after the 2017 season and after the 2024 season. He also helped the team secure the NFC championship following the 2022 season, advancing to , though they fell short against the . Graham holds several franchise records, including the most games played at 207 as of November 16, 2025; his return in October 2025 extended his tenure and preserved his lead in longevity. He ranks third in career sacks with 76.5, trailing only (124.0) and (85.5), a mark he reached by surpassing (76.0) in November 2024. Additionally, Graham leads the franchise in postseason sacks with 8.5 across 15 playoff appearances. Other notable honors include nominations for the Man of the Year award in 2022 and 2024, highlighting his off-field contributions alongside on-field performance. In May 2025, he was selected as the winner of the Good Guy Award for his professionalism and accessibility to the media.

Personal life and legacy

Family and philanthropy

Brandon Graham has been married to Carlyne Graham since 2014. The couple has two children: daughter Emerson and son Bryson. Graham has frequently highlighted the central role his family plays in his life and career decisions, noting that considerations for more family time at home were a key factor in his 2025 retirement announcement. In 2011, Graham founded the Team Graham Fund alongside his wife, with a mission centered on youth education and anti-violence initiatives in and . The fund supports programs aimed at empowering young people through , educational resources, and community events to foster safer environments and personal growth. Graham collaborates closely with the ' community outreach efforts, including regular visits to children's hospitals to inspire young patients and families. Through these partnerships and personal contributions, he emphasizes support for vulnerable youth and health-related nonprofits. Guided by his Christian faith, Graham participates in faith-based initiatives, including involvement with the , where he shares his testimony to encourage spiritual development among athletes and community members.

Off-field impact and retirement plans

Throughout his NFL career, Brandon Graham has made significant contributions to community causes, particularly through his establishment of the Team Graham Fund, which provides resources and support to organizations in , his and his wife's hometown. The fund focuses on mentoring young adults, distributing clothing to those in need, and providing meals to homeless individuals and low-income families, reflecting Graham's commitment to uplifting underserved communities. Graham's philanthropy extends to broader initiatives, including strong involvement with the Eagles Autism Foundation to support autism awareness and services. He has also participated in the NFL's My Cause My Cleats campaign, honoring programs like Snider Hockey, which provides free hockey opportunities to underprivileged youth in . Additionally, in September 2025, Graham headlined the of Lebanon County's annual campaign kickoff, emphasizing community support and resource allocation for local nonprofits. His efforts have earned him multiple nominations for the NFL Man of the Year Award, including in 2022 and 2024, recognizing his blend of on-field excellence and off-field service. Regarding retirement, Graham initially announced his departure from the league after the 2024 season, following the ' victory in over the , citing a desire to end his career on a high note after 15 seasons with the team. However, in October 2025, at age 37, he reversed course and signed a one-year, $2.4 million fully guaranteed contract to rejoin the , driven by his lingering passion for the game and the team's need for pass-rush depth amid injuries. Graham expressed reluctance to retire initially, stating he could not envision playing for another franchise and viewed this return as a final opportunity to contribute to Philadelphia's success, though he has not detailed long-term plans beyond the 2025 season.

References

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