When Brandon Graham steps onto the field this Sunday he will be playing in his 200th NFL game. All of them have been for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Only 4 other active defensive players have achieved this (Nick Bellore, Calais Campbell, Jerry Hughes, and Cameron Jordan).
B.G. has already played in more games than any other Eagles player in history, and playing in game number 200 is just another milestone that would have seemed impossible for any player, much less one everyone questioned as to why the Eagles selected him when he was drafted in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Welcome to Philadelphia, Brandon Graham:
When Graham was drafted 10th overall in the 2010 draft most fans wanted a Brian Dawkins replacement.
A hard-hitting, game-changing saftey named Earl Thomas was available, but the Eagles chose a defensive end from Michigan, Brandon Graham.
Not unlike ten years earlier when Eagles fans wanted RB Ricky Williams over QB Donovan McNabb, the backlash of selecting Brandon was immediate, intense, and unfair.
He endured years of listening to fans’ insults. And even more hate from local talk radio and the media who constantly called him a bust.
“I had to not take it personal and know that they got a job to do and they got papers to sell”
Getting over that perception was tough at the beginning of his career, and he put pressure on himself. Struggling was not something Graham had endured before.
“I was young and immature because I wanted to have early success. I learned that I’m a fighter and I just kept fighting”
And game by game and season by season, he kept getting better.
From breaking into the league and being challenged to stay on the roster to winning playoff games and a championship, the one constant was always his effort and positive attitude.
Heading into the 2021 season B.G. was coming off his first Pro Bowl selection, and even then aged 33, he was proving a lot of football was left in his tank.
Then adversity struck. His will would once again be challenged.
Returning from injury
When #55 went down in week 2 of the 2021 season the coaches, fans, and teammates feared the worst.
His long-time teammate and lineman, Fletcher Cox, was visibly shaken.
“It was a pretty emotional moment for me to see BG limp off the field. Brandon and I have played so much ball together, off the field was rough for me.”
After the game, the fears were realized. Brandon Graham had torn his Achilles.
Talk began that it may be the end of the line for B.G. as those injuries are hard to recover from. Especially for a player his age.
But Brandon Graham wasn’t having any of that. Always the optimist, always a leader. He posted his thoughts.
“We still about to shock the world! I will just be leading from the sidelines this year working to be great for 2022. Appreciate all the love and now it is time for guys to step it up. U have to find the treasure in every situation! #eagles.”
He stated he was coming back, and coming back strong.
Graham wanted to be the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. He had his critics who thought he would be too old to return, but those critics did not know the desire to continue playing, that was in Brandon’s heart.
“I enjoy when they do that. Just makes me want to just work harder. When you got that respect in the room in the building I try not to take that for granted”
Everyone inside the locker room knew his work ethic, and nobody doubted his return. But to expect him to come back and to play at the level he is three years later had to impress Brandon himself.
Playing for another ring:
One More Year?
Brandon Graham is playing at such a high level this season that he and the team could agree to another mutual one-year extension.
Not too shabby for a player everyone thought was a bust.
Brandon is now at the stage of his career where he is soaking it all in, enjoying every moment, wanting another Championship, and still talking his style of trash on the field.
“Everything right now is a bonus. Everything that happens now it’s like house money, for real. I’m just thankful to be here, just trying to go out and get a win. Just enjoying this journey. Gotta make sure you enjoy this journey.”
Maybe Brandon Graham will return for the 2025 season, but it would be fitting for his career to conclude with another parade.
The last time I spoke to him he stated “We are going to get another one for you guys”.
All of Philadelphia wants that for you, as much as you do for them.
As always Thank you for reading!
Follow me on X @PHLEagleNews
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
