Longtime Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Brandon Graham has postponed his retirement for at least another year. The veteran pass rusher has agreed to terms on a one-year contract, the team announced Saturday.
When Graham prepares for his 15th NFL season with the Eagles later this year, he will set a franchise record for most seasons played.
Graham has 73 sacks in 195 career games with the Eagles, including three sacks last season. The 35-year-old is a popular player in the locker room and in the Philadelphia community.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
#55 Brandon Graham of the Philadelphia Eagles from the sideline during the NFL Wild Card Playoff football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. Watch over. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Graham said his decision to stay in Philadelphia was partially inspired by Ray Lewis, who spent his entire 17-year career with the Baltimore Ravens.
“I did it because I always wanted to extend (my years in the NFL) to 15 years,” Graham told CBS Sports. “I’m glad the team wanted me for another year. … Ray Lewis was one of the guys I looked up to (as a player), so to see him (stay) and do it the way he did.” It was important for me to be able to do that (17 seasons with 1 team), which was good…but this is it.”
Travis Kelce gets stuck talking about brother’s retirement: ‘It’s been a fun journey’
Philadelphia selected Graham with the 13th overall pick out of Michigan State in the 2010 draft. He missed most of the 2022 season with a torn Achilles tendon, but returned and recorded a career-high 11 sacks.
No. 55 Brandon Graham of the Philadelphia Eagles hits No. 4 Taylor Heinicke of the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Lev/Getty Images)
Graham did not become a full-time starter until his sixth NFL season. After an outstanding season in 2106, he earned All-Pro honors. Coach Graham fired Tom Brady for a key play in the Eagles’ 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Graham also expressed optimism about the addition of Vic Fangio, a longtime addition to the defensive coaching staff. Philadelphia parted ways with Sean Desai earlier this year and hired Fangio as the team’s new defensive coordinator.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcast and subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
