Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham has announced his retirement from the NFL for a second time. The announcement comes just days before the Eagles are set to open their 2026 season against the Washington Commanders.
Graham, 38, initially retired following his 15th season with the Eagles, which concluded with a victory in Super Bowl LIX in February 2025. However, he returned to the team in October, eight months after his initial retirement, to address injuries on the defensive line and the retirement of Za'Darius Smith. He played in nine games during the 2025-2026 season, but the Eagles' Super Bowl defense ended in the first round of the playoffs with a loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Graham, who is the longest-tenured player in Eagles history, confirmed his decision during a speech at an event in Philadelphia on Tuesday morning. He ends his career as the franchise leader in games played with 215 and ranks third with 79.5 sacks. He is one of four players in Eagles history to have been part of both of the team's Super Bowl victories, including their win against the New England Patriots following the 2017 season and their victory over the Kansas City Chiefs at the end of the 2024 season.
Graham's notable contributions include a strip-sack of Tom Brady late in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LI, which helped secure Philadelphia's first Lombardi Trophy.
Reflecting on his brief return to the game, Graham stated that he initially found retirement difficult. He explained that he felt the team had everything it needed and that he didn't want to play for another organization. However, after enjoying time away, playing golf and establishing a new routine, the approaching NFL season made him reconsider. He mentioned floating the idea of a return to his agent early in the season and eventually being approached by the Eagles.
