Eagles Super Bowl winner Brandon Graham will be making an announcement at noon on Tuesday, the team announced, with the fan favorite expected to retire from the NFL.
After tearing his triceps in November – an injury which appeared to signal the end of his career – the 36-year-old Graham managed to return for his team’s Super Bowl LIX win over the Chiefs.
However, it appears that the defensive end will now be stepping away from the game, as the Eagles posted a picture of him walking past the ‘Rocky’ statue – with a pair of green cleats hung up on it.
The post includes the quote: It’s not how hard you hit, it’s how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward — that’s how winning is done.’
Before he returned to play one final game in New Orleans, it was believed Graham’s career could be over, as he spoke openly about the possibility of retirement after suffering the injury against the Rams.
‘If I had to go out like this, I gave it everything out there on the field,’ he told reporters. ‘All I know is, they aint done with me yet. So Imma’ make sure Imma’ get out there and be the best leader I can be.’
Brandon Graham celebrates with the Lombardi Trophy after the Eagles won Super Bowl LIX
Graham returned to the field for the Super Bowl after tearing his triceps in November
Most fans interpreted the Eagles’ post as a precursor to Graham’s retirement.
‘One of the most underrated pass rushers of all time The numbers don’t show it, but his impact on games can’t be overstated. If that’s it, salute, heck of a career,’ one wrote.
‘Thank you Brandon Graham. My all-time favorite Eagle!,’ another added.
And a third said, ‘Hanging the cleats up, he’s retiring, as he should. Thanks for everything BG.’
Graham, a first-round pick in 2010, has played all 15 of his NFL seasons with the Eagles.
He finished this regular season with 3.5 sacks in 11 games before suiting up in his squad’s 40-22 demolition of Kansas City.
The Michigan product was also a significant contributor on the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning team during the 2017 season, finishing the year with 9.5 sacks before the team’s memorable postseason run.
More to follow