Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Brandon Graham, a beloved veteran who’s in his 15th year with the franchise, said he is out for the season after suffering a torn tricep during a game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
Graham, 36, was ruled out in the fourth quarter after getting chipped on the elbow. After the Eagles’ dominant win, he told reporters he cried during a phone call with his wife and children but said he felt content.
“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,” Graham said.
He added that although he hates to go out this way, he has no regrets.
“I’m hoping we hold that trophy regardless in the end. 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.”
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said he “wasn’t ready” to comment on Graham’s status and took a more optimistic tone than the defensive lineman.
“Love him,” Sirianni said. “One of my favorite guys I’ve ever been a part of, been able to coach. We’ll see where it is. Again, I’m not ready to talk about it yet. We’re holding out hope.”
Graham has been with the Eagles since they selected him with the 13th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft. His strip-sack of Tom Brady in the final minutes of Super Bowl LII clinched the Eagles’ first championship and cemented Graham in Philadelphia sports history.
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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 was the star of Sunday’s win thanks to a career performance, heaped praise onto Graham after learning of his injury.
“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 said. “He epitomizes what it means to be a Philadelphia Eagle.”
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(Photo: Gus Stark / Getty Images)
