Brandon Graham
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
| Position | College | Years in the NFL |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive End | Michigan | 13 |
Excellence on the Field:
In his thirteenth season Brandon Graham trails only Chuck Bednark's14-year career (1949-62) and is tied with Brian Dawkins, Harold Carmichael, Frank "Bucko" Kilroy and Vic Sears with the second longest run in franchise history. Appearing in the most career regular season contests by an Eagles defensive lineman (165), Brandon ranking behind Brian Dawkins (183, 1996-2008) and Chuck Bednarik (169, 1949-62) for defensive players and seventh overall. Leading the team with 33 sacks since 2017, Graham owns the fourth most sacks (62) in Eagles history, following Reggie White (124, 1985-92), Trent Cole (85.5, 2005-14) and Clyde Simmons (76, 1986-93).Following the 2020 season, Graham was named to his first Pro Bowl after leading the Eagles in sacks (8), TFLs (13) and pressures (36). In 2016, he was voted second team All Pro by the AP when he registered career highs in pressures (54) and QB hits (22). Brandon posted one of the top defensive plays in team history when he strip sacked New England Patriots QB Tom Brady in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LII. His takeaway set up a 46-yard field goal by Jake Elliott that gave the Eagles a 41-33 lead with 1:05 remaining, leading to their win.
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts This Year:
Team Graham, Brandon's fund, offers its time and resources to various organizations and causes in his hometown of Detroit, Michigan, including mentoring children and providing clothes and food to families in need. As he has done since its inception in 2018, Brandon once again is active with the Eagles Autism Foundation, including donating his time for this year's Radiothon. After every session of training camp, he stopped by the Community Relations tent and he meets Community Relations guests at every Eagles home game, something he has done throughout his career. Having first met quad amputee Chase Merriweather in 2016 at Eagles training camp, he reconnected with him at the 2022 training camp. Brandon also volunteers with many nonprofits including March of Dimes, Make a Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, American Heart Association and Liberty USO.
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past:
Having dedicated his career to connecting with fans at every opportunity, Brandon can be counted on to offer his time to make a difference. He has a strong belief in teamwork in everyday life. Last Thanksgiving (2021), he teamed up with Kevin Hart to distribute meals to Philadelphia families in need. During the pandemic, Brandon participated in numerous zoom meet and greets with youth and high school football organizations to encourage them to stay active and healthy when they couldn't play sports, as well as sent messages to people struggling. He has also sent messages over the years to a family whose son was a victim of gun violence as well as a couple who met during the celebration on Broad Street the night of the Eagles Super Bowl win and are now married. Over the years, he has participated in multiple Super Bowl Ticket Giveaways for people who are making a difference in the Philadelphia community.
Positive Character & a Lifestyle of Giving Back:
Drafted in 2010, as a career-long Philadelphia Eagle, Brandon Graham is the heart of the team both on and off the field, inspiring with his words and actions. His enthusiasm, and its impact, cannot be overstated. "He lights up the room", notes Head Coach Nick Sirianni. "That's just the personality that he has –always smiling, always in an upbeat mood. You want to be around people like that and there aren't many of them out there. Brandon is one of a kind. He is one of the leaders of this team because of the example that he sets every day." Brandon sees being a resource for rookies, as veterans did for him. "He motivates all of us to just keep positive and keep working", adds defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. Defensive tackle Milton Williams notes. "Ever since I got here, I've been looking to BG. I worked out with him this offseason and seeing him every day, constantly just growing and growing and getting better, even at his age, it's an inspiration. Every day you strive to be one percent better, to trend in that direction. You look at a guy like that and you're like, 'When I'm 34, I hope I'm looking like that. I hope I'm still playing and moving like he's playing''. The Philadelphia Eagles are proud to select Brandon Graham as their 2022 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.