Eagles Legend Brandon Graham Breaks Silence on Stunning Return to Philly
Brandon Graham is coming home.
The Philadelphia Eagles star defensive lineman announced his return to the team on his podcast “Unblocked” on Monday.
Graham had been reportedly mulling a return to the Eagles after retiring following the Eagles’ 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX — he re-tore his triceps muscle in that game.
The Eagles (5-2) are in first place in the NFC East despite a largely uneven start to the season, especially defensively. They have just a plus-5 point differential and are allowing 23.6 points-against per game, which ranks 20th in the NFL.
Brandon Graham Is Returning To The Eagles Because He ‘Believes In The Team’
Graham is a franchise icon who has played all 15 — now 16 seasons — in Philadelphia. Part of his decision to return hinged on the fact the Eagles are still very much in win-now mode.
“Of course I believe in this team. That’s a big part of this too,” Graham said on “Unblocked” on Tuesday. “I know that they got everything that they need, so I just can’t wait to add a little more value.”
Graham admitted he had felt forced into retirement after the injury — he had torn his triceps in Week 12 against the Los Angeles Rams then re-tore it against the Chiefs. He said he stayed away from the team during training camp because he was missing the team — especially knowing he could still play.
So coming back and potentially closing the book on his terms was a big part of the decision to return.
Graham also said staying in Philadelphia — which selected him 13th overall in 2010 — was important to him. So when general manager Howie Roseman came to Graham at the start of the season and asked him to consider coming back, Graham began to think about it.
“I said ‘nah, I ain’t ready yet,'” Graham said. “He ended up signing Za’Darius [Smith], and I had started praying about it … and he retired abruptly, and I just saw it as a sign.
“It was crazy, man. I don’t know what this is going to be. I don’t have no expectations. But I’m just gonna come and bring myself and bring the energy.”
Brandon Graham Is Healthy
We’ll find out this week if Graham will be able to play Sunday at home against the New York Giants. But his triceps is not an issue, at least according to him.
“Rehab was good,” Graham said. “Now it feels like a brand-new arm.”
Graham rushed back for the Super Bowl yet took his time — eight months — to recover and get healthy. He said injuring his triceps twice was a new experience and that coming back in just 2.5 months was a mistake — even though he doesn’t regret the decision to play.
“I guess I was just a little too early [coming back],” Graham said. “I’m still thankful I was able to get into that Super Bowl. I wouldn’t have changed it, even knowing there was a possibility I could’ve [gotten injured again]. I just wanted to be a part of it.”
Browns QB Dillon Gabriel’s Fiancée Defends 116-Yard Performance
The fiancée of Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel spoke out in his defense following criticism of his performance in Sunday’s victory over the Miami Dolphins — the first NFL win of his career.
In rainy conditions, Gabriel passed for 116 yards in the win. He didn’t find the end zone but helped guide the Browns to the much-needed 31-6 blowout win.
As she has typically done on TikTok, Casewell showed off her game day outfit and routine. She captioned the post “Proud of u” tagging Gabriel.
Most of the comments remained positive, praising Gabriel for securing his first win and Caswell for his support. However, one comment stood out and elicited a response from Caswell.
“Dude threw for 97 yards,” a commenter said.
Casewell responded, “It was literally pouring rain…do u expect 400 yards? Lol”
Browns QB Dillon Gabriel Has Faced ‘Unique Challenges’
Gabriel is now 1-2 as the starter in Cleveland. Through three games, he’s passed for 527 yards and two touchdowns. Gabriel also made a relief appearance earlier in the year, adding 19 yards and another touchdown to his stat line.
The Browns acknowledged that Gabriel still has room to grow. But head coach Kevin Stefanski has been impressed with Gabriel’s ability to take care of the ball. He’s yet to turn the ball over.
“I think with all of our young players, we’re learning about them every day they’re in the building. Obviously, these games are important for them and putting them in different situations,” Stefanski said. “Dillon’s only three games into his career, and he’s had some unique challenges. But to be able to play clean and take care of the football for this football team and obviously get his first win as a starting quarterback yesterday, I thought was good for him. Obviously, that’s something that you always remember.”
Browns Leaning on Defense, Run Game to Help Dillon Gabriel
Frankly, Gabriel did not have to do much against the Dolphins. The defense was humming as usual and Cleveland forced four turnovers — three interceptions and a fumble on a kick return. Browns cornerback Tyson Campbell returned one of those interceptions for a touchdown to open the second half.
Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins also had his best game as a pro, rushing for 84 yards and three touchdowns. He took wildcat snaps inside the 10-yard line on two of his touchdowns.
“We know that it’s little plays here and there that add up, but the attention to detail has to be at an all-time high, and we understand that,” Gabriel said. “But it does feel good to see the defense do what they do, in our run game, continue to take strides in that way, and then just special teams making plays as well. We always talk about complementary football, but seeing us all come together is important and good to see.”
The Browns will look to keep their momentum going this week as they take on the New England Patriots. Cleveland is a 7.5-point underdog against the Patriots, who have won four games in a row.
