The Eagles open the 2026 season on Sunday, facing the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field. With the roster set and Week 1 approaching, anticipation centers on what this group can achieve following another offseason of adjustments and improvements.
One longtime Eagles figure spent the offseason weighing his future, returning for another run in 2025. Brandon Graham had previously suggested that the 2026 season might be his last, making his status a continuing storyline for Philadelphia entering the new year.
Brandon Graham announces retirement
Brandon Graham has officially concluded his NFL career. The Eagles legend announced on Tuesday morning that he is retiring after 16 seasons, per NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark. Graham made the announcement at a Jefferson Health event in Philadelphia.
The decision ends an extraordinary career that included a retirement moment in March 2025 before he returned to play during the 2025 season. He appeared in nine regular-season games after his comeback and also played in the Wild Card loss to San Francisco.
Graham’s historic run with the Eagles
Drafted with the 13th overall pick by Philadelphia in 2010, Graham spent his entire NFL career with the Eagles. He became the franchise’s all-time leader in games played, reaching 215 appearances during his 16th season. He also finished third in the franchise’s history with 79.5 sacks.
The defensive end is a two-time Super Bowl champion and played a pivotal role in Philadelphia’s first championship in the Super Bowl era. His strip-sack of Tom Brady late in Super Bowl LII stands as one of the most iconic plays in franchise history.
After 16 seasons, two Super Bowl titles, and more than 200 games with the Eagles, Graham’s NFL playing days have come to an end.
