The end of the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2025 season also marked the end of an era.
Following the Eagles’ 23–19 Wild Card playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers on January 12, 2026, franchise icon
Brandon Graham officially announced his retirement, closing the book on one of the most enduring and meaningful careers in team history.
Graham’s farewell came just months after an emotional return. Originally retiring in March 2025 after helping the Eagles capture their second Super Bowl title, the veteran defensive lineman made a surprise comeback in October to bolster Philadelphia’s push down the stretch.
His presence proved valuable. Graham appeared in nine games during the 2025 regular season, serving as an effective rotational piece and even sliding inside to defensive tackle in certain packages. Beyond the stat sheet, his leadership and energy were widely credited with stabilizing the defense late in the year as the Eagles finished 11–6 and claimed the NFC East crown.
Brandon Graham’s 2025 Regular Season Stats:
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Games played: 9
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Sacks: 3.0
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Solo tackles: 4
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Assisted tackles: 4
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Forced fumbles: 0
While Philadelphia’s quest for a third Super Bowl ended earlier than hoped, Graham’s impact extended far beyond one postseason result.
Drafted 13th overall out of Michigan in the 2010 NFL Draft, Graham spent his entire professional career in Philadelphia, becoming the longest-tenured player in franchise history. By the end of the 2025 season, he had appeared in more than 215 games — an Eagles record — and logged roughly 82 career sacks, ranking third all-time for the organization.
His résumé includes two Super Bowl championships (Super Bowl LII and Super Bowl LIX), but no moment defines his legacy more than the iconic strip-sack of Tom Brady late in Super Bowl LII — a play that sealed the Eagles’ first championship and forever etched Graham’s name into NFL lore.
After the playoff loss, Graham delivered an emotional message to the fan base that defined his career:
“Philadelphia gave me everything — belief, patience, and love through every high and low. I gave this city everything I had every time I stepped on that field. Eagles Nation, thank you for letting me live my dream and finish it the right way.”
For the Eagles, Graham’s retirement represents more than the loss of a veteran defender. It marks the departure of a tone-setter, a locker-room anchor, and a player who embodied resilience and loyalty in an era of constant change.
As Philadelphia turns toward an offseason filled with roster decisions and transition, one truth remains unquestioned: Brandon Graham’s legacy is secure. From draft-day doubts to championship glory, his journey mirrors the rise of the modern Eagles — tough, relentless, and unforgettable.
Eagles Nation will move forward. But No. 55’s imprint on the franchise will never fade.
