With Brandon Graham’s retirement marking an end to his time as a Philadelphia Eagle, Eagles fans from GA reflect on his career. Graham’s lasting effect as a leader for the franchise will make him a memorable player for years to come.
One play that forever cemented Graham’s name in NFL history, is his strip sack in the Super Bowl to secure the Eagles with their first Super Bowl win.
“The strip sack in the Super Bowl was definitely the biggest moment of his career,” Holt Record ‘27 said.
Getting to strip sacks in the Super Bowl wasn’t something earned easily for Graham.
“I think early on, there were a lot of expectations on him,” Record said. “I remember he was a bust at the very start. Nobody thought he was doing that well because he wasn’t getting pressure, but he ended up playing pretty well through the end of his career.”
After he found his way in Philadelphia, Graham made sure not to leave the city behind.
“His last couple years he was a veteran on the team,” Record said. “He came back his last year (speaking on how Graham came out of retirement for his final year with the Eagles) as more of a locker room guy and had that veteran presence more than anything else.”
Outside of his hard work on the field, Graham’s legacy is something bigger.
“I think he really cares about the city; he stayed here his whole career,” Record said. “He’s just a Philly guy, and then towards the end of his career he was on 94.1 (Philadelphia Sports Talk). I would hear him every Thursday, and he was just all-in with the Eagles, even with him sticking around for the young guys.”
Graham’s leadership is so inspiring to Eagles fans because of his locker room presence in addition to his big plays on the field.
“I think he was the ultimate locker room guy; he was a big deal for younger players,” Record said. “He never left, just a good leader on the team.”
This role of dual-leadership is exactly what makes Graham lovable for fans.
In addition to his leadership, Graham’s authenticity with the media grabbed fans attention.
“I think he was real,” Mr. Joe Taylor ‘13 – US Mathematics Teacher and Head of Washington House – said. “I really think that when he was asked questions by the media he would really give you his heart.”
“I think he’s one of everyone’s favorite Eagles; everyone loved him,” Record said. “He had a great story just coming out and not being the best from the start, but he stuck with it, he kept getting better, found his spot: just like a true Philly guy.”
Hearing from the GA community about their thoughts on Brandon Graham truly represents the legacy he has had on the city of Philadelphia. From memorable moments on the field, to his impact on the team in the locker room, or his passion for the city of Philadelphia, Graham surely will be remembered.