Philadelphia Eagles star defensive end Brandon Graham believed his 2024 NFL season was over in Week 12 after a torn triceps injury put him on Injured Reserve.
However, Graham knew in the back of his mind that if the Eagles somehow made it to the Super Bowl there was a high possibility he could be cleared to return.
That thought became a reality once the Eagles punched their way through the divisional round with a win over the Los Angeles Rams. And then Graham’s practice window opened following the Eagles’ NFC Championship win and he was officially activated off Injured Reserve one day before the Super Bowl.
Graham did not play his typical snap count in the Super Bowl but he did see action on 13 plays as the Eagles went on to beat the Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22.
If it weren’t for his teammates or the Eagles’ great training staff, Graham would have never suited up on Sunday.
“You know what, it took everybody,” Graham said. “Me choosing to work every day, the strength staff, the training staff, everybody working together to believe in the dream of me coming back. And then obviously we had to get here and I’m proud of the team because everybody stuck together, everybody stepped up in a big way. And now, man, we’re the world champions and can’t nobody take it away.”
Of course, Graham was asked after the win if that was the final time he’d put on an Eagles uniform.
“I ain’t there yet,” Graham said. “I’m just going to enjoy this one. And who knows, man, Howie (Roseman) might call me. But, you know what, if it is my last one, hell of a way to go out. I feel thankful. And I ain’t going nowhere. I’m going to be a part of the organization somehow.”
Howie calling Graham come March isn’t too far-fetched considering he proved this past season that, even at 36 years old, he still has plenty of juice left in the tank. Before the injury, Graham had racked up 20 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble for Philly.
If Graham does, however, decide to call it quits after 15 seasons, he will do it as a two-time champion en route to the NFL Hall of Fame.
