Brandon Graham has finally closed the book on a legendary NFL career.
After months of speculation and a bittersweet farewell in March, the Philadelphia Eagles have officially placed the two-time Super Bowl winner on the NFL’s retired list. It’s the end of an era for both Graham and Philly, as the veteran defensive end hangs up his cleats after 15 straight seasons with the same team.
Graham first announced his retirement in March, getting emotional during his farewell press conference, but technically stayed on the Eagles’ 90-man offseason roster. That changed this week when the team made it official, using a bit of front-office savvy to delay the paperwork until after June 1. Why? Because by waiting, the Eagles managed to split the remaining $9 million in dead cap money over two seasons, 2025 and 2026, instead of swallowing the full amount this year. That move freed up $1.25 million in cap space, a solid boost for the 2025 roster or a nice rollover for 2026 and beyond.
Brandon Graham’s NFL retirement marks the end of a career that was as consistent as it was underrated. Drafted in 2010, Graham stayed loyal to the Eagles from day one, building his legacy year by year. He was a part of the franchise’s only two Super Bowl wins, first in 2017-18 when the Eagles shocked Tom Brady and the Patriots, and again in 2024-25, where he helped take down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. These weren’t just ceremonial wins; Graham was a key defensive force in both.
And let’s not forget his incredible comeback story. After tearing his triceps, many thought he was done. But not Graham. He fought back, got healthy, and made it to Super Bowl 59, his final NFL game. That grit and loyalty summed up his entire career.
In terms of numbers, Graham racked up over $97 million in career earnings, according to Spotrac. On the field, he posted 76.5 sacks, 487 tackles, 22 forced fumbles, and even notched a defensive touchdown. He made the Pro Bowl and All-Pro team once, but his impact went way beyond the stat sheet. He was the heartbeat of the Eagles’ defense for over a decade and a respected locker room leader every season.
Now that he’s off the books, the Eagles didn’t waste time filling his spot. They’ve added undrafted rookie free agent Marcus Tate to the 90-man offseason roster, already looking ahead to the future. But for Eagles fans, Graham’s departure definitely hits hard. He wasn’t just another player, he was a symbol of the franchise’s most successful years.
Brandon Graham’s NFL retirement doesn’t just close a chapter, it wraps up one of the most loyal, hardworking, and underappreciated careers in modern football. Not many players stick with one team their entire career, but Graham did it for 15 years, gave Philly everything he had, and walked away a two-time champion. That’s a rare legacy. And with the team managing to turn his exit into a cap-friendly move, it’s a win all around.
Here’s to Brandon Graham, forever an Eagle, forever a champ.
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