Brandon Graham returns when the Eagles need him most

While nearly all NFL players live for a big-game moment, some NFL players thrive in it. When your team needs that one big play — that one key pivotal moment — they step-up and deliver in spectacular fashion. For Brandon Graham, that moment was the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LII.

The Philadelphia Eagles — one of the top ten oldest franchises in the NFL dating from 1933 — were clinging to a 38–33 lead with just over two minutes left in the game, just trying to hang on against the Brady/Belichick powerhouse. As Nick Foles passed by the defense coming onto the field after connecting with tight end Zach Ertz for a touchdown to give Philadelphia the lead, he muttered only two words in Brandon Graham’s direction. “Strip him!”

What happened next was the extended left hand of Graham’s extending and knocking the ball loose from Brady’s hand. Derek Barnett scooped up the ball and with it — the Eagles retained possession. Two minutes later, Graham and the Eagles were finally Super Bowl Champions for the first time in their history.

Brandon Graham’s return from a brief retirement to the Eagles makes him only one of three players still on the roster from that Super Bowl LII victory. His NFL debut as a Philadelphia draft selection from 2010 from the University of Michigan makes him the only player left on the roster since the Andy Reid Era.

In 2021, a torn triceps injury ended Graham’s season. After returning in 2022, he became part of another Eagles’ team that advanced to Super Bowl LVII as NFC Champions. Last season in late November against the Los Angeles Rams, Graham announced after a 37–20 Eagles win that he once again had a torn triceps and that his season was over. A vigorous rehabilitation saw him return to a dominant performance by the defensive line against the Chiefs last February in Super Bowl LIX. 

Now, Brandon Graham returns to Philadelphia at a time when the Eagles need him yet again. A depleted Eagles defense that is also adjusting after the retirement of Za’Darius Smith needs some pressure from the edge. Graham is once again answering the call. 

Last March, Graham announced his retirement and walked to the Rocky Statue outside of the Art Museum and left a pair of his cleats. It turns out he’ll need those back.

Michael Thomas Leibrandt lives and works in Abington Township, Pennsylvania.