A legendary mainstay kicks off 25 most important Eagles in 2024 originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Over the next few weeks leading up to training camp, we’ll be counting down the top 25 most important Eagles for the 2023 season.
25. Brandon Graham
The 2024 season will be Brandon Graham’s final NFL season.
And he’s not taking anything for granted.
“For this to be my last year, I’m happy to go out with a team like this,” Graham said in the spring. “Now, we just gotta put in the work. I’m just enjoying every second of this mandatory. I ain’t in no rush to go nowhere. Because at the end of the day, the only time I’m going somewhere is to take baby girl to gymnastics or baby boy to wherever he got to go to. Family stuff. But I’m definitely enjoying supporting everybody.”
The 2010 first-round pick will play in his 15th season in 2024. He has said for many years that his goal was to play 15 years in the NFL and he’s going to get that chance after re-signing on a one-year deal this offseason.
Graham, 36, is an incredible story of perseverance. Once labeled a first-round bust, Graham worked his way up to a contributor, starter, Pro Bowler and hero with his strip-sack in Super Bowl LII. Now, it’s hard to imagine the franchise without him.
By playing this season, Graham will surpass Chuck Bednarik for the most seasons played in an Eagles uniform. Just Bednarik and Graham have played 14 seasons. And he will add to his record 195 games played in an Eagles uniform. The guys behind him are Jason Kelce (193), Fletcher Cox (188) and Davis Akers (188), so this record will be safe for quite a while.
As much fun as the Graham Farewell Tour will be in 2024, the Eagles didn’t keep him around to be a mascot. They’re still going to be relying on him this season in Vic Fangio’s defense.
While Graham isn’t expected to be a starter, he’s still going to be an important part of the edge rusher rotation. Last season, Graham played 395 snaps (34%) and…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/legendary-mainstay-kicks-off-25-110000662.html
Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia
Publish date : 2024-06-18 11:00:00
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