Howie Roseman’s Emotional Farewell to Retiring Eagles Legend Brandon Graham

Philadelphia, PA – March 17, 2025, 05:43 AM PDT
Amid the lingering joy of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX triumph—a 40-22 rout of the Kansas City Chiefs—the franchise faced a poignant moment Monday: Brandon Graham, the beloved defensive end whose 15-year NFL journey epitomized loyalty and resilience, announced his retirement after signing a one-day contract to retire an Eagle. At the NovaCare Complex, General Manager Howie Roseman held back tears as he delivered an emotional tribute to the “one-team man” whose legacy will resonate from Lincoln Financial Field to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Before a packed press room, Roseman’s voice trembled as he reflected on drafting Graham 13th overall in 2010, when he was a rising executive. “An incredible, incredible player,” he said, eyes misty. “That draft pick—I can still feel the excitement. He was a warrior among warriors. They called him the heart of our defense for a reason—every Sunday, he gave us everything. A relentless athlete, an inspiring leader, a two-time champion.” Graham, with 73 sacks, 146 QB hits, 21 forced fumbles, and Super Bowl rings from LII (2018) and LIX (2025), was the soul of the Eagles’ defense for 15 seasons, playing a franchise-record 195 regular-season games.

Roseman didn’t shy from bold praise, declaring Graham “a lock for the Hall of Fame, no doubt.” He added, “I wouldn’t be standing here without players like Brandon. He’s why we’ve built this culture.” Selected in 2010 after a stellar career at Michigan, Graham became a cornerstone, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2016 and etching his name in history with a strip-sack on Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII—a play that sealed the Eagles’ first Super Bowl win. Despite a 2024 triceps tear, he returned in 77 days to play in Super Bowl LIX, adding 12 sacks in his final season.

But it was the personal moments that moved Roseman most. “Brandon wasn’t just a player—he was our rock,” he choked out. “I’ll never forget 2016—down 5-8, he rallied the team in the locker room, saying, ‘We’re not done yet, we fight for Philly.’ We turned it around after that.” Graham’s entire 15-year career—195 games, 73 sacks, 2 rings—was with the Eagles, a rare “one-team man” feat in the modern NFL. Roseman’s farewell underscored a legacy of grit and loyalty that will forever define Eagles history.