Brandon Graham vows to lead Eagles even after season-ending injury

On November 25, 2024By Littum

Brandon Graham vows to lead Eagles even after season-ending injury originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – In the coming days, there will probably be a few tears.

But there was no time for that on Sunday evening.

When Brandon Graham announced after the Eagles’ 37-20 win over the Rams at SoFi Stadium that his season was over after suffering a torn triceps, he spoke with the same positivity that made him a legend in Philadelphia.

There was no self-pity. No bitterness. None of that.

Just an all-time Eagle who stood tall and was a true leader moments after finding out his season – and possibly career – was over.

“All I know is they’re not done with me yet,” Graham said. “I’m going to make sure I’m going to go out there and be the best leader I can be like I always do, keep bringing the energy and let people know how lucky they are to have me out.”

Yes, soon after Graham found out his season was over, he was already planning how to continue his trash game.

Graham, 36, suffered the torn triceps during the fourth quarter Sunday night when he was chipped by a Rams running back. Graham had already had some tendinitis in his elbow, but this time it stung a little longer and he knew something was wrong.

After being checked out by a trainer on the sideline, Graham started to come inside when quarterback Jalen Hurts gave him a long hug as the two prayed together. A crowd of other teammates lined up to shake Graham’s hand as he walked off the field for what could have been his last time as an NFL player.

But in the wake of the news, Graham was as positive as ever.

“I make sure I have the best attitude I can have,” Graham said. “I’m sure I’m going to cry about it. But it’s not going to last too long, and then I move on to ‘How can I help my team from the sidelines?’ It’s the biggest thing I can do.”

While Graham has entertained the idea of returning for a 16th season, he originally intended this to be his 15th and final season as an NFL player. As of Sunday night, he wasn’t sure what the future held.

“I don’t want to go out like this, but if it points in that direction, hey, we’ll see,” Graham said. “I don’t know how the team is going to feel at that point. But I do know that I don’t want to go out that way. I definitely want to be able to finish a whole season before I’m done. But if it’s not in cards, I’m happy with where I’m at, too. I’m just not there yet. I want to finish this and let’s see how the rehab goes and then we’ll go from there.”

Hurts has always appreciated Graham, and the two shared a long moment together on the sideline Sunday after the severity of the injury was realized.

“It was definitely very unfortunate, for the guy first and the teammate second,” Hurts said. “He’s a guy who’s given himself to this franchise, always tried to lift them up and really just teach the younger guys coming in. You’ve got to think with a guy as deep as he is in his tenure, that’s bigger than games and why he’s still playing. His drive has been to be his best self, but really be the best teammate he can be and serve in any way he can.”

Graham, who turns 37 in April, wasn’t just on a casual farewell tour this season. He played extremely well. And he continued that on Sunday night. Before the injury against the Rams, Graham had 2 tackles, 1 sack, 3 QB hits, 2 TFLs and 1 pass breakup.

With his sack on Sunday, Graham moved into third place on the Eagles’ all-time sack list behind only Reggie White and Trent Cole.

“For me, I’m devastated for him because he’s probably one of the best leaders I’ve been around,” said Lane Johnson, who has been Graham’s teammate for 12 seasons. “Not just how he plays, but how he mentors the young guys on and off the field. He’s kind of like a father figure to a lot of these guys and a guy that I think his story just screams endurance and resilience with everything , what he’s overcome. And especially the year he’s had. People thought the farewell tour was just us tipping our hat to him, but hey, this f—ing guy can play football and he can play on a really high level.

“I feel bad for him. I love him. He really had a great game today. He’s a really dynamic guy. He’s in a positive spirit, man, and he’s going to be there with us. At the end of the day, It’s hard to replace a guy like that.”

The Eagles were already thin on the edge entering this game because Bryce Huff had wrist surgery Thursday and will have to miss at least three more games before he’s eligible to return from IR. Without Huff and Graham, the Eagles are down to just three edge rushers on their 53-man roster: Josh Sweat, Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt.

Graham won’t be on the field for the rest of the season, but he’s not going anywhere. On Sunday, Graham promised to be there for his teammates to lead and to bring the same energy he always brings.

“I expect nothing less from him,” Jordan Davis said. “He’ll be there, he’ll make an effort to be there every step of the way, wherever he is, wherever we are. I know BG will be there. It’s unfortunate that it happened. Who knows next time he’s going to play, if it’s the last time he’s going to play, which is crazy to think about because he’s already in year 15. I hope it’s not his last time playing, but sometimes we have perhaps to relate to that possibly

“But day-to-day we know he’s going to be there, he’s going to throw gems like he always does. He’s going to be there all the way, so I’m not worried about his presence not being felt on defense because he will always be there, his presence will always be felt. It is just a shame that he is not on the field. It hurts a little to see our brother go like this.”

This season is Graham’s sixth in a row to be named Eagles captain. He is the longest-tenured athlete in Philadelphia, has played more games in an Eagles uniform than anyone else and is the only player in franchise history to play 15 seasons with the Birds.

He is an eagle of all time.

After entering the locker room Sunday night, Graham called his wife and told her the news, and his children began to cry. Graham himself had no tears in the winning dressing room. Just a lot of positivity, a promise to help his teammates and his unmistakable grin, even in a tough moment.

“No point in crying about it,” Graham said. “I put everything into it. It hurts, but I’m telling you, I’m getting better.”