Philadelphia Eagles Veteran Brandon Graham Out for Season #

Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Brandon Graham, in his 15th year with the franchise, is out for the season after suffering a torn triceps during a game against the Los Angeles Rams. Graham, 36, was ruled out in the fourth quarter after an elbow injury. Following the Eagles’ victory, he expressed contentment despite the setback.

“I know that the guys still need me, as far as just making sure that I’m watching them, telling them stuff, little stuff I see on the sideline. And man, I’m just (gonna) be the best leader I can be ‘cause I’m committed. I’m all the way in, and we got something special here, man. We gotta keep building it. We ain’t done nothing yet,” he said. Although he hates to leave the season this way, he feels no regrets, hoping the Eagles will secure the trophy regardless. “And like I say, I’m gonna do my part as far as a captain. And the mission’s still the mission. And I’m still gonna be me. Still gonna have fun, still gonna talk my stuff. Like I say, people know me. I’m done. But they better know somebody coming right behind me.”

Graham has been a key player since being selected as the 13th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, with his strip-sack of Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII clinching the Eagles’ first championship. Before exiting against the Rams, Graham recorded one sack, three quarterback hits, two tackles for loss, a pass breakup, and two tackles.

Teammate Saquon Barkley, who excelled in the victory over the Rams, praised Graham despite the injury news. “I’ve only been able to be his teammate for such a short period of time, but I felt like I’ve known him for my whole life. He’s the reason why this transition for me has been so easy — him along with all the other guys. It’s cool to have a vet like that, to be able to talk to him about anything. I remember OTAs, sitting in the sauna, and we were just talking about life and getting to know each other. The energy and the passion that he brings, not only to his team but to the city,” Barkley shared. “He epitomizes what it means to be a Philadelphia Eagle.”