Brandon Graham is retiring from the NFL after a decorated 16-year run with the Philadelphia Eagles — again. The longest-tenured player in Eagles history is officially calling it a career, leaving behind a franchise-record 215 games played. Graham also suited up for more seasons in midnight green than anyone else, spending all 16 of his NFL seasons in Philadelphia.
And the production backs up the longevity. Graham finishes third in Eagles history with 79.5 sacks, trailing only franchise legends Reggie White (124.0) and Trent Cole (85.5). But don't expect a big farewell tour this time around. There won't be a press conference or elaborate send-off. Graham has already done that once. After initially retiring, he un-retired last year to give the Eagles' pass rush a boost — and proved he still had some juice left in the tank, carving out a productive role as a rotational piece.
Now, though, the 16-year veteran is hanging up the cleats for good.
Dec 20, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) celebrates after defeating the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Graham confirmed on Tuesday that his retirement is official. NFL Rumors shared on X. He had already called it a career once, announcing his retirement in March 2025 before getting the itch to return.
Graham came back last October to help the Eagles' pass rush and finished the 2025 season — his 16th in the league — in a rotational role. At the time, Graham left the door cracked for a 17th season, but made one thing clear: if he came back, it would be his final run. That opportunity never came. Graham made his retirement announcement Tuesday morning at a Jefferson Health event, closing the book on one of the longest tenures in Eagles history.
And this time, he won't be making a midseason comeback.
Graham had previously said he wasn't interested in joining the Eagles midway through the season again, as he did last year. Speaking at a PHLY Sports event last month, he said he wanted to be signed before the regular season if he was going to return in 2026. Philadelphia, meanwhile, had already started reshaping its edge-rusher room. The Eagles added three veterans this offseason — Jonathan Greenard , A.J. Epenesa and Arnold Ebiketie — giving the defense plenty of bodies to work the rotation.
Graham was hoping to get back in the mix and give the Eagles' pass rush another boost. But the writing was on the wall: Philadelphia was ready to turn the page. The reality? The Eagles simply didn't need Brandon Graham this time around. The two sides kept their conversations close to the vest throughout training camp, but no deal ever materialized. Graham wanted to be back during camp so he could prepare for and play a full season, even though there was no urgency for him to return early in the summer.
Now, instead of chasing one more sack or one more playoff run, Graham is moving into his next chapter. He has already started building a media career in Philadelphia and has made it clear he wants to remain part of the Eagles family, even after his playing days are over. And if Jeffrey Lurie's words from Graham's first retirement are any indication, the door will always be open. "BG will be a welcome addition and part of our family forever," Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said in March 2025.
Gridiron or not, Graham will always be a part of the Eagles.
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