Sunday night’s victory for the Philadelphia Eagles over the Los Angeles Rams was undoubtedly bittersweet. While the team’s dominant win and 9-2 record would typically be cause for celebration, the injury news regarding Brandon Graham cast a shadow over the victory. The Eagles’ all-time leader in games played, Graham, is out for the season with a torn tricep. This injury, while devastating in the short term, also raises questions about the future of the 36-year-old defensive stalwart.
Graham had long hinted that this would be his final NFL season, but as the year progressed, he began to soften his stance on retirement. Early on, he spoke about staying ready “just in case,” and his current injury, combined with his leadership role in the locker room, only adds complexity to the situation. In an emotional locker room interview after the injury was confirmed, Graham vowed to remain involved with the team for the rest of the season, but refused to address the retirement talk directly, showcasing his professionalism.
Statistically, Graham has continued to perform at a high level. Despite his age, he ranks among the top edge defenders on the team with a 75.7 overall grade on Pro Football Focus, which places him ahead of fellow defensive ends like Josh Sweat and Nolan Smith. His contributions on the field, combined with his leadership off it, make him a valuable asset to the Eagles, both now and in the future.