Brandon Graham always let the door open to return for a 16th NFL season, even after winning the Super Bowl Lix with the Philadelphia Eagles. Graham already had a Super Bowl championship and his intact legacy, so why go back and play another season?
Graham, the oldest Eagles player, did not reveal that he was officially retiring before the Super Bowl. So what was the turning point towards Graham’s decision?
“If I didn’t get to Super Bowl, I would probably not be here at this time,” Graham said at his retirement press conference. “I promise you that I would be begging that you return one more (year). I was happy to be able to play with my boys for the last time, to put that uniform in the great moment.”
Graham broke his triceps in a victory of week 12 over the Los Angeles Rams and was out for several months. The only realistic opportunity that Graham had to return was if the Eagles arrived at the Super Bowl Lix. The game was right in the Graham timeline of a possible return, that several Eagles players wanted to make sure they won the way to New Orleans so that Graham could play once more.
The Eagles star, Brandon Graham, announces the retirement of the NFL after 15 seasons, two Super Bowl rings
Jeff Kerr
“It all started in Vic [ Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio] Keeping prepared and our coaches organizing that job to transmit that message during the week and we trust us in that week. Being part of that, that was all I needed to know, “said Graham.” I felt that my prayers were answered to return and be with them children for the last time. “
Graham admitted that he returned his triceps in the victory of the Super Bowl Lix, but remained in the game until the end (he played 13 snapshots). I still thought about returning for a 16th NFL season, but the decision was made.
“The competitor in me wanted to return, but I couldn’t ask for anything sweeter than this,” said Graham. “I am grateful to have returned and be able to play my last game with integrity and play well in that.
“I left in my own terms and a champion came out.”
