Brandon Graham Details Unretiring to Rejoin Eagles

Longtime Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Brandon Graham has returned to football, and he recently detailed why.

Former player Brandon Graham (right) talks with general manager Howie Roseman (left) of the Philadelphia Eagles prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa., on Sept. 4, 2025. Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Brandon Graham couldn’t stay away for a whole season from the Philadelphia Eagles.

Graham retired after the 2024 season and seemed set on his post-football life after he rode off into the sunset with a Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Ironically, Graham detailed his decision to change course recently during his “Unblocked” podcast.

“It felt so right at the time,” Graham said on his podcast regarding his March retirement. “It felt too good to pass up. I don’t want to mess up this storybook ending. Then, reality set in.”

Philadelphia had a need for depth at edge rusher, and Graham decided to put his cleats back on and help his long-time team. The Eagles officially announced on Tuesday that Graham agreed to a one-year contract to join the team for a 16th season.

“Now you can hear it from me—I’m back one more time,” Graham said. “I’m excited, no expectations, just trying to help the team.”

Graham’s decision arrived at a time when roster moves and injuries reduced options for the Eagles on the defensive front. Eagles’ veteran edge rusher, who signed in September, retired suddenly last week. In addition, Nolan Smith and Ogbo Okoronkwo both ended up on injured reserve.

As the Eagles (5–2) have seen the NFC East lead shrink with the Dallas Cowboys (3–3–1) picking up steam, Philadelphia general manager Howie Roseman called, Graham shared.

“I feel like I’m springy and bouncy,” Graham said about coming back. “I feel like myself. I feel good.”

Graham’s previous season had its challenges, with torn triceps in Week 12 against the Los Angeles Rams. He recovered soon enough to play in the Super Bowl.

“I thought it was my last ride,” Graham said. “Things happen.”

Graham explained that his wife, Carlyne, supported him in either continuing with his career or retiring.

“My wife, she wanted me to do whatever,” Graham said. “She just wanted to make sure my mental health was good. We’ve been talking the last few months—if another opportunity comes along, what you thinking?”

Philadelphia’s need for help on the edge and Graham’s desire to play again converged at the right time, ultimately.

“While I can still do it, and while the opportunity is right, that’s exactly what I want to do,” Graham said.

Graham’s career with the Eagles began in 2010 when the team drafted him in the first round. He started off as a rotational pass rusher and became the main catalyst of the Eagles defense.

Graham has the most games played in franchise history with 206, he ranks third all-time for sacks at 76.5, and he has the most playoff sacks at 5.5. His postseason sack total includes a strip sack of Tom Brady in the Eagles’ first Super Bowl win during the 2018 season.

“He’s Uncle OG,” left tackle Jordan Mailata told reporters on Sunday. “One of the most important pieces we had, getting a Super Bowl last year. I think it would just add depth and that pop.”

Linebacker Nakobe Dean concurs on Graham’s greatness.

“No matter if he comes back in any capacity, if he plays every snap or no snaps, it don’t matter,” Dean told reporters. “The energy that BG brings is unparalleled. So just to have a guy in the locker room like that, it would be great. And he still can ball, for sure.”

Graham is one of only four Eagles players to participate in both of the franchise’s Super Bowl wins. He has also played under four different head coaches, from Andy Reid to Nick Sirianni, the team’s current head coach.

“Of course, I believe in the team,” Graham said. “That’s a big part of it, too. I think they got everything they need. I just want to add more value.”