Brandon Graham’s Comeback Gaining Momentum as Eagles Take Key Step Forward
Brandon Graham was removed from the exempt list Monday, marking another significant step in the star pass rusher’s return to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Graham, the longest-tenured player in Eagles history, opted to come out of retirement to sign a one-year contract with the team on Oct. 23. With the Eagles coming out of the Week 9 bye, Graham, 37, is likely to make his season debut Monday against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
Graham Now Counts Against 53-Man Roster
Graham’s two-game roster exemption ended on Monday, and he now counts against the 53-man roster. This will be his 16th season with Philadelphia.
Graham has not played since Super Bowl LIX. He initially retired in March, but with a lack of pass rush and the subsequent retirement of veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith, the Eagles convinced him to return in hopes of chasing another Super Bowl.
The Eagles own the NFC East’s best record at 6-2 but rank 23rd in total defense (336.3 yards allowed per game) and have the fifth-fewest sacks in the NFL (16).
Graham is Near Top of Eagles’ Record Books
Graham is one of the most accomplished players in Eagles history. The 13th overall pick of the 2010 draft holds the franchise record for most regular-season games played (206) and is third in team history with 76.5 sacks. He was second-team All-Pro in 2016 and made his lone Pro Bowl appearance in 2020.
His strip sack of Tom Brady in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LII helped the Eagles outlast the New England Patriots 41-33 for their first Super Bowl victory.
As the Eagles beef up their defense for the season’s second half, Graham will slide in alongside newly acquired outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips, who has three sacks this season and 26 over his five-year career.
Defensive tackle Moro Ojomo leads the Eagles with four sacks while Jordan Davis and Zack Baum each have three.
Phil Knight’s $2 Billion Investment in the New York Giants: Shaping the Future of Football
In an unprecedented move that will reshape the future of the New York Giants, Nike co-founder Phil Knight has pledged a groundbreaking $2 billion to the team. Announced Thursday, this historic donation will provide the Giants with next-generation player development, state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and innovative medical initiatives — setting the stage for a new era of success and innovation in the NFL.
Knight’s massive investment is a game-changer for the Giants, ensuring they have access to the most advanced training programs, resources, and technologies available. The funding will enhance every aspect of the team, from player training to recovery, ensuring that the Giants remain at the top of their game for years to come. This transformative donation will help maximize player performance, with a focus on AI-driven analytics, wearable technology, and real-time performance data to push athletes to their fullest potential.
In addition to player development, the $2 billion will be used to upgrade the Giants’ facilities to world-class standards. The team’s training centers, locker rooms, and recovery spaces will receive a major overhaul, incorporating the latest advancements in sports science and technology. With these new state-of-the-art facilities, the Giants will have an edge over the competition, providing athletes with the ideal environment to succeed.
A major focus of Knight’s investment will be on player health and wellness. The $2 billion will fund the development of cutting-edge medical and rehabilitation centers that will use the latest technologies in injury prevention, regenerative medicine, and fast-track recovery methods. This focus on player longevity and health will ensure that the Giants’ athletes can stay in peak physical condition, recover from injuries quickly, and extend their careers.
Phil Knight’s $2 billion pledge is a game-changing moment for the New York Giants, positioning the team for future dominance in the NFL. This visionary donation will lay the foundation for sustained success and innovation, helping the Giants remain one of the league’s premier franchises. With Knight’s support, the team is on track to build a legacy of excellence that will stand the test of time.
This groundbreaking commitment from Knight will likely inspire other NFL teams to follow suit, making similar investments in their athletes and infrastructure. With his backing, the New York Giants are poised to continue their dominance in the league and redefine what it means to be a powerhouse in football.
