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Philadelphia Eagles legend Brandon Graham is coming out of retirement to re-sign with the team, it has been confirmed.
The 37-year-old defensive end, who is the longest-tenured player in Eagles history, teased a potential comeback in a preview for the latest episode of his Unblocked podcast after being tipped to return by ex-teammate Jason Kelce at the weekend.
And as predicted, Graham confirmed the rumors himself less than 24 hours later.
'According to sources and what you all have heard, now you can hear it from me... I'm back. One more time,' he said on the podcast.
'I'm excited, no expectations baby. I'm just trying to help the team.'
Graham briefly brought his NFL career to a close after his 15th season in Philadelphia, which ended with a dominant win over the Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl LIX.
Eagles icon Brandon Graham confirmed he is coming out of retirement to re-sign with the team
It was a miracle he played that night in New Orleans, having worked his way back from a torn triceps that he suffered in Week 12 of the 2024 season. The Eagles great went on to re-tear the muscle during the victory over Kansas City.
But now he could be primed to suit up for a 16th NFL season and bring some much-needed help to the Eagles defense. They are tied for 25th in the NFL with nine sacks.
'I really didn't want to retire in the beginning, it was kind of tough,' Graham admitted. 'But it was like, "Hey... Philly right now, they've got everything that they need, and I don't see myself with no other team. So I think this is the best way to do it, just go out on top."
'Then the months went by after we won the Super Bowl, of course I'm still working out, still training and stuff, but I'm just enjoying myself too. I'm trying to make sure I enjoy myself, play a lot of golf. We created a new schedule for what it's gonna be like.
'But football, of course, when you get close to the season, man...'
He then explained how he was eventually approached by his beloved team after setting the wheels in motion for his return by floating the idea to his agent at the start of the season.
'Of course I feel like I still have some more juice left,' he added.
Graham’s return comes a week after the unexpected retirement of Eagles edge rusher Za'Darius Smith.
The 37-year-old defensive end briefly walked away after last season's Super Bowl victory
The former first-round draft pick out of Michigan ended his career as the all-time leader in games played for Philadelphia with 206, while he ranked third with 76.5 sacks and had the most postseason sacks with 5.5.
He is also one of four players who participated in both of the franchise's Super Bowl wins: following the 2017 season against the New England Patriots and in February against Kansas City.
After working his way back from injury, Graham got on the field for 13 snaps and made one tackle in the 40-22 win over Travis Kelce and Co.
He had a much bigger impact in the victory over New England when his strip-sack of Tom Brady late in the fourth quarter thwarted a comeback attempt and helped deliver Philadelphia its first Lombardi Trophy.
