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Brandon Graham Announces Final NFL Retirement After 16 Seasons

9/9/2026

25 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Brandon Graham announced his second, final NFL retirement.
He revealed the decision at Jefferson Health’s “Breakfast with the Birds” event in Philadelphia on Tuesday.
Graham spent 16 seasons with the Eagles, playing 215 games and recording 79.5 sacks.
He earned two Super Bowl rings from LII (2018) and LIX (2025).
Graham will mentor younger players, praising Jordan Davis and Jalen Hurts, while refusing a 17th season.

History

Historical Context

Joe Montana, a four-Super Bowl quarterback, ended his 16-year NFL career after the 1994 season, having been traded from the San Francisco 49ers to the Kansas City Chiefs in 1993. Brandon Graham’s 2024 retirement after 16 seasons and 79.5 sacks with the Philadelphia Eagles reflects the league’s push to transition veteran players into mentorship roles, a trend also seen in the Eagles’ formal veteran-development program.

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Story summary

Brandon Graham announced his second, final NFL retirement.
He revealed the decision at Jefferson Health’s “Breakfast with the Birds” event in Philadelphia on Tuesday.
Graham spent 16 seasons with the Eagles, playing 215 games and recording 79.5 sacks.
He earned two Super Bowl rings from LII (2018) and LIX (2025).
Graham will mentor younger players, praising Jordan Davis and Jalen Hurts, while refusing a 17th season.

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