Brandon Graham Makes Final Decision on NFL Future amid Speculation About Eagles Return

After coming out of retirement to help the Philadelphia Eagles last season, Brandon Graham is stepping away from football once again.

Graham announced at an event in Philadelphia on Tuesday that he is "officially done" playing after 16 seasons.

There had been indications from Graham throughout the summer that this was coming. He said on NFL Network's Good Morning Football in July that he would prefer to be on the roster at the start of training camp rather than come in midway through the season if he was going to play.

"I would love to start in the beginning if I can," Graham said (h/t Ed Kracz of SI.com), "but if training camp doesn't happen, I think I'll probably wrap it up after that."

Graham's initial retirement announcement came in March 2025, one month after the Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59.

"I gave everything I had in this. I have no regrets," Graham said at the time. "My life has been forever changed because of this magical place."

An injury to Nolan Smith Jr. and Za'Darius Smith's surprise in-season retirement led to the Eagles calling Graham about making a comeback. He officially rejoined the team prior to Week 8 last October.

Graham played 10 games last season, including the Eagles' 23-19 playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He recorded three sacks and three quarterback hits in the regular season.

A first-round pick in the 2010 draft, Graham spent his entire career in Philadelphia. He ranks third in franchise history with 79.5 sacks, trailing only Reggie White (124) and Trent Cole (85.5). His 215 games played rank first in Eagles history.

Graham won two Super Bowl titles with the Eagles. His strip sack on Tom Brady late in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl 52 helped secure Philadelphia's 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots.