Eagles’ Brandon Graham announces his retirement after 16 seasons

Brandon Graham is retiring from the NFL after 16 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles — again.

Graham, 38, confirmed to The Athletic on Tuesday that his retirement is official. He previously retired in March 2025 before returning last October to finish the 2026 season. He left open the possibility of playing a 17th season and insisted it would be his final year if he returned. He made his announcement at a Jefferson Health event Tuesday morning.

Graham previously said he would not join the team midseason, as he did last year. He said at a PHLY Sports event last month that he wanted to sign before the regular season started if he returned in 2026. The Eagles are proceeding with their current edge rusher depth chart, which includes three veteran additions this offseason: Jonathan Greenard, A.J. Epenesa and Arnold Ebiketie.

“Communication between BG, the Eagles and me has always been consistent,” Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said in July. “Obviously you’re talking about one of the greatest Eagles players and an unbelievable person. Last year, his ability to come back in and help us was huge for our football team. But again, those conversations we’ll keep private.”

The tributes to Graham came after his retirement ceremony. He was productive upon returning to the Eagles last season, recording three sacks in nine games. Graham finishes his Eagles career with 79.5 sacks in the regular season and 5.5 in the postseason — the most famous of all his strip-sack of Tom Brady in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LII to help deliver Philadelphia its first Super Bowl. He’s played the most games (215) and seasons (16) of any player in franchise history.

Graham’s already embarked on a media career in Philadelphia. He’s also spoken about maintaining a presence around the franchise.

“BG will be a welcome addition and part of our family forever,” Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said in March 2025.