Eagles Brandon Graham Retires As One Of The Best Players In Franchise History

Back in the 2010 NFL Draft, many experts viewed it as a deep draft class for defensive talent. Overall, there were eight players who were elected to the AP NFL All-Pro First-Team.

There were also 22 players from the 2010 NFL Draft who were Pro Bowl Selections, including Philadelphia Eagles Defensive End Brandon Graham. But some in the Eagles fan base and Philadelphia media initially perceived Graham's drafting as a "mistake."

While Draft Classmates Earl Thomas and Jason Pierre-Paul were on Super Bowl Championship Teams, Brandon Graham played under three different Head Coaches during his first seven seasons in the NFL. BG was labelled a "bust" by some people because he only had 29 Sacks through his first seven seasons.

But 69 percent of his 76.5 Career Sacks came from 2016 to 2024 when the Eagles changed Defensive Coordinators and Defensive Schemes. But Brandon Graham became an Eagles legend in Super Bowl 52 when he got the Strip Sack on future Hall of Fame Quarterback Tom Brady.

After 15 seasons, Brandon Graham is retiring from the NFL

Looking back on his 2010 NFL Draft Class, BG's 76.5 Career Sacks are the fourth most of any player from that draft class behind Everson Griffin (85.5), Jason Pierre-Paul (94.5) and Carlos Dunlap (100).

Graham finishes his Eagles career with the second-most Quarterback Hits in Franchise History (153) and the third-most Sacks, behind Reggie White (124) and Trent Cole (85.5). His 126 Tackles For Loss is the most in Eagles Franchise History.

Brandon Graham opened his Retirement Press Conference with the following statement:

"First, I want to say thank you to everybody. You know, I gave everything I have to this (game) and I have no regrets. 15 years ago, I walked into this city as a young man with big dreams, a little bit of nervousness, and a whole lot of fire in my heart....I surely didn't know how deeply I would fall in love with these fans, the team, and this city (of Philadelphia). Today as I sit here, I just want to thank God because I know He was the main reason; That was the biggest thing I love my growth of my relationship with Him and just so much I have shared with my teammates and reflecting on a career that has meant everything to me. I am overwhelmed with gratitute - My entire life has been forever changed because of this magical place."

Graham is on a short list of Philadelphia Sports Athletes who have won multiple championships in the City of Brotherly Love. He is on an exclusive list with Bobby Clarke, Lane Johnson, Bernie Parent, Jake Elliott, Bill Barber, Rick Lovato, and Rick MacLeish.