BREAKING: Brandon Graham Explains Why He’s Returning to the Eagles — ‘Didn’t Want to Retire in the First Place’ 

PHILADELPHIA — Some players walk away from the game with no hesitation. Others try, only to find that the fire never really goes out. For Brandon Graham, one of the most beloved figures in Philadelphia Eagles history, retirement was never meant to last.

The veteran defensive end, who had announced his retirement after last season’s Super Bowl run, officially returned to the Eagles this week — and now he’s explaining why.

Speaking candidly on his podcast “Brandon Graham Unblocked” for PHLY, the two-time Super Bowl champion admitted he never truly wanted to retire in the first place.

“I really didn’t want to retire in the beginning,” Graham said. “It was kind of tough. But I felt like, hey, Philly had everything they needed. I didn’t see myself playing for another team, so I thought that was the best way to go out — on top.”

But, as the saying goes, once football is in your blood, it’s hard to let it go.

‘I Still Have Juice Left’

Graham, now 36, said he continued to train and stay in shape even after his retirement announcement. He tried to embrace life away from the game — golfing, spending more time with family, and adjusting to what he thought was his “next chapter.”

Still, something didn’t feel right.

“Of course, I was still working out, still training and stuff,” he said. “But football… when you get close to the season, man, it just hits you. You start feeling it again.”

According to Graham, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman had already reached out to his agent earlier this season when the team began dealing with injuries and depth issues on the defensive line.

“I know Howie wanted a vet,” Graham said with a smile. “He reached out at the start of the season and said, ‘Hey, we might need you.’ At first, I told him no. I wasn’t ready. But after Week 1, I started praying about it. I asked, ‘Lord, if another opportunity comes, what should I do?’”

That opportunity came sooner than expected. When newly signed veteran Za’Darius Smith abruptly retired, the Eagles found themselves in need of a trusted edge rusher — and there was only one man who fit the bill perfectly.

“When that happened, it felt like a sign,” Graham recalled. “Za’Darius had my old locker, and I thought — man, maybe this is meant to be.”

Family and Faith First

Throughout the process, Graham said he leaned heavily on his family, especially his wife, Carlyne, who supported whatever decision he made.

“She’s been so supportive through everything,” he said. “All she wanted was for me to be mentally healthy. She told me, ‘If you feel it’s right, go do it.’ That meant everything to me.”

He explained that his decision wasn’t about chasing fame or stats — it was about not having regrets.

“I just didn’t want to look back and think, ‘Man, maybe I had more left,’” he said. “This is the only time in life you can do this. Once it’s over, nobody’s calling anymore.”

And now that he’s back, Graham says he’s at peace with his choice. “I don’t have expectations,” he added. “I just want to bring my energy, my leadership, and have fun doing what I love.”

A Legacy Unlike Any Other

Brandon Graham’s return adds another chapter to what is already a legendary Eagles career. Drafted 13th overall in 2010, Graham has spent his entire 15-season career in Philadelphia — a rarity in today’s NFL.

He’s the only player in franchise history to play for 16 seasons with the team and one of the few remaining members of the Super Bowl LII championship squad that defeated the New England Patriots.

Of course, fans will never forget his most iconic moment: the strip sack of Tom Brady in the final minutes of that Super Bowl — the play that sealed Philadelphia’s first Lombardi Trophy.

“That play will live forever,” former teammate Jason Kelce said. “But what really defines BG is who he is every day — his attitude, his leadership, his love for the game.”

Even head coach Nick Sirianni praised Graham’s return, saying it gives the team both emotional and tactical reinforcement.

“Brandon’s the heart of this defense,” Sirianni said. “He’s a leader, he’s in incredible shape, and he sets the standard. Having him back in the building — it changes the whole energy.”

When Will He Play?

As for when fans can expect to see Graham back in uniform, the veteran provided some clarity — though he emphasized he won’t rush things.

“Originally, I was going to come back after the bye week,” he revealed. “But with everything that happened and the Eagles needing me sooner, it’s cool. I’m just going to take it day by day.”

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio also said that while Graham looks ready physically, it’s about getting him back into “football shape” — which includes regaining timing, contact rhythm, and game intensity.

“Brandon’s always kept himself in great condition,” Fangio said. “But there’s a difference between working out and playing full-speed NFL snaps. We’ll ease him in, but trust me — it won’t take long.”

Insiders believe Graham could be game-ready by Week 8 or Week 9, depending on how quickly he adjusts to team practices.

‘You Thought I Was Done?’

Graham laughed when describing how he plans to make his return felt — both to opponents and to fans.

“Man, that first play back, I’m coming out saying, ‘You thought I was done, huh? You thought you didn’t have to deal with me anymore?’” he joked. “That’s the fun part. I just love playing this game.”

Despite being one of the oldest active defensive players in the NFL, Graham insists he’s still got plenty left in the tank — and his performance last year backs it up. In 11 games, he recorded 3.5 sacks and 15 pressures, all while serving as a mentor to the younger pass rushers.

Fangio believes Graham’s return could help unlock more from rising stars like Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith, giving the Eagles’ defensive front both experience and depth.

“Having BG back means everyone gets better,” Fangio said. “He’s a teacher, a motivator, and a warrior. You can’t ask for more.”

The Final Word

After months away, Brandon Graham is back home — where he belongs. His voice, his energy, and his trademark smile have already reignited the locker room.

“It just feels right,” he said. “I’m thankful. I don’t know how long this will last, but I’m going to enjoy every moment. This is where I’m meant to be.”

For Philadelphia fans, it’s more than just a comeback — it’s the continuation of a love story between a city and one of its truest warriors.

At 36, Brandon Graham has nothing left to prove — and yet, he’s still got something left to give.

“I still have some juice left,” he said. “And I’m not done showing it yet.”