Brandon Graham: From Wolverine Star to Eagles Legend

Brandon Lee Graham, born on April 3, 1988, is a former American football player whose 15-year career was spent as a defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles in the National Football League (NFL). Graham's journey to becoming an Eagles legend began long before his professional career, with a foundation built on his high school accolades and a standout college career at the University of Michigan.

Early Life and High School Career

Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, Graham began playing football at the age of seven for the Police Athletic League Detroit Giants. He continued playing football in the eighth grade. Graham attended Crockett Vocational Tech high school, a school that began participating in Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) football competitions in 1996. Even in high school, his potential was evident.

Despite the team lacking facilities such as a proper locker room before his senior season, Graham quickly became a standout player. As a sophomore, he earned an honorable mention as a lineman in 2003. By his junior year, he showcased his versatility by playing linebacker, offensive guard, placekicker, and punter. That year, Graham recorded 91 tackles, with 20 for a loss, and maintained a 3.8 grade point average. His efforts helped Crockett win the Detroit Public School League Division 1 championship. The team achieved a 12-0 record before losing in the state semifinals. In one game, he made 12 tackles, four sacks, and four forced fumbles.

Graham's exceptional performance garnered significant attention from scouting services, with Rivals.com ranking him as the best prospect in Michigan in 2006 and the second-best inside linebacker in the nation. Scout.com listed him as the third-best linebacker nationally. Before his senior year, The Detroit News named him the best high school player in Michigan.

Graham's high school achievements culminated in his selection to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He was also a finalist for the Parade All-America High School player of the year award. Graham was elected captain of the East team at the All-American Bowl. He recorded four tackles and blocked a field goal in the game.

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An unforeseen consequence arose from Graham's participation in the Army All-American Bowl. He accidentally broke a Michigan state rule by playing in an out-of-state all-star game. This meant he could not play other sports in high school that winter and spring. During this time, he gained weight. He had been recruited as a linebacker, but with the extra weight, he moved to defensive end.

Collegiate Career at the University of Michigan

Graham's transition to the University of Michigan marked a new chapter in his football career.

Transition and Early Years

Upon arriving at Michigan, Graham weighed around 295 pounds. He was initially listed as a linebacker but transitioned to defensive end before the 2006 season. As a freshman, Graham was one of five freshmen to play in the first game. He served as a backup to LaMarr Woodley.

2007 Season

In 2007, Graham received an unusual accolade when he was given a perfect 99 rating in the NCAA 2008 EA Sports video game, surpassing even his star teammates Chad Henne, Jake Long, and Mike Hart. At the start of training camp, he was expected to be a starter. He led the team in sacks with 8.5.

2008 Season

Graham worked hard on his fitness before the 2008 season. This pleased the new head coach, Rich Rodriguez. Graham started the 2008 season as a candidate for the Hendricks Award. On September 27, Graham had 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles against the Wisconsin Badgers. He was named Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Week. Graham finished the season with 10 sacks. He led the Big Ten with 20 tackles for a loss.

2009 Season: A Standout Year

The 2009 season solidified Graham's status as a dominant defensive force. He was placed on numerous watch lists for top awards. He was chosen by ESPN as the 10th best player in the Big Ten. He won the Chicago Tribune Silver Football award as the Big Ten co-MVP. He was the first defensive player in eight years to win this award. He led the nation with 2.17 tackles for a loss per game. He also had 10.5 sacks, which was fourth in the Big Ten. He ended his Michigan career with 9 tackles for losses in his last two games. Graham was named the team MVP again, making him the first defensive player at Michigan to win MVP twice.

By the end of his college career, Graham had amassed impressive statistics, totaling 29.5 sacks and 56 tackles for loss. In 2008, he led the Big Ten Conference in tackles for loss, with 20 in 11 games. In 2009, he posted 26 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in 12 games.

Accolades and Recognition

Graham's outstanding performance earned him numerous accolades, including:

First-team All-American honors in 2009
2009 Big Ten Conference co-MVP
2009 FBS tackles for a loss (per game) champion
2008 and 2009 Big Ten Conference tackles for loss leader
Finalist for the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football Hendricks Award
First-team 2009 All-Big Ten selection

NFL Career with the Philadelphia Eagles

Graham's stellar college career paved the way for his entry into the NFL.

Draft and Early Years

At the NFL Combine, Graham was among the top defensive linemen. The Philadelphia Eagles picked Graham in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. He was the 13th player chosen overall. He was the first defensive player and first Big Ten player picked in that draft. On July 29, 2010, the Eagles signed Graham to a five-year contract.

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2010 Season

Graham entered training camp slated as a starting defensive end. He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the Eagles' season-opener against the Green Bay Packers, but did not record a statistic during their 27-20 loss. The following week, he recorded two solo tackles and made his first career sack during a 35-32 win at the Detroit Lions on Lions' quarterback Shaun Hill for a two-yard loss during the first quarter. On November 28, 2010, Graham collected a season-high three solo tackles and made one sack during a 31-26 loss at the Chicago Bears in Week 12. On December 12, 2010, Graham suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during 30-27 victory at the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14.

2012 Season

In the 2012 season, Graham played in all 16 games. He had 5.5 sacks and 38 tackles.

Position Change and Continued Growth

In 2013, he changed positions from defensive end to linebacker. He finished the 2013 season with three sacks. In 2014, he had 5.5 sacks and 47 tackles. In 2015, Graham signed a new contract to stay with the Eagles. He had 6.5 sacks and 51 tackles that season. In 2016, he moved back to defensive end. He had 59 tackles and 5.5 sacks. He was named to the 2016 All-Pro 2nd Team.

Super Bowl Champion

In 2017, Graham had a career-high 9.5 sacks. He also had 47 tackles. During Super Bowl LII, he made a huge play. With only 2:21 left in the game, he forced a fumble from Tom Brady. His teammate recovered the ball. In 2018, Graham had ankle surgery. He still played in all 16 games, recording four sacks. In 2019, he signed a new contract with the Eagles. In one game, he sacked the quarterback three times. In the 2020 season, Graham had eight sacks. He was chosen for the Pro Bowl for the first time.

Later Years and Super Bowl LIX Victory

Graham signed another contract extension with the Eagles in March 2021. In Week 2 of the 2021 season, he tore his Achilles tendon. In the 2022 season, Graham had a great comeback. He recorded 2.5 sacks in one game and was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week. Later in the season, he had three sacks in another game, earning the award again. Graham helped the Eagles reach Super Bowl LVII. It was his second Super Bowl appearance.

On March 10, 2023, Graham re-signed with the Eagles. At that time, he was the longest-tenured player on the team. In 2023, Graham tied a team record for most seasons played as an Eagle with 14. On November 26, 2023, Graham passed David Akers' franchise record of 188 regular-season games played for the Eagles. Graham signed a one-year contract extension with the Eagles in March 2024. In Week 12, he tore his triceps. This injury caused him to miss the rest of the 2024 season. However, he was able to return for Super Bowl LIX. In Super Bowl LIX, the Eagles won 40-22 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Graham was one of only four players to be on both Eagles Super Bowl-winning teams.

Legacy and Impact

Brandon Graham's impact on the Philadelphia Eagles extends beyond statistics and accolades. He is responsible for one of the biggest plays in Philadelphia sports history, as he posted a pivotal strip sack on Tom Brady in the closing minutes of Super Bowl LII, which was the franchise's first Super Bowl victory.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Brandon Graham is a Christian. He is married to Carlyne Graham. Graham's strong Michigan roots are a major influence in his charity work. Graham started a football camp in Michigan called the Select 100, where 10 students are selected from each public school in Detroit. Originally, the camp was for boys, but after advice from his wife, Carlyne, Graham decided to include girls in the camp.

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