2 minutes remained in the Super Bowl. The quarterback got the ball and raised his arm to pass it. But out of nowhere, a defensive end sneaked through the pocket. His left arm raised, hitting the ball out of QB’s hands, while his empty hand completed the motion. The QB was Tom Brady, the DE was Brandon Graham, and the trophy was Super Bowl LII, the only one that the Eagles have ever won. Jalen Hurts needs his teammate again. They play the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX on February 9.

After going through a practice session on February 2nd, the DE had an inspiring message for his locker room as he said, “We are going to go get this win. Get ready for a party on Broad Street.” The 36-year-old player also put his retirement rumors on the backside until the big game and added, “Let’s go win. Then we’ll talk about it.” It’s a huge positive sign for the Birds.

For the franchise, he is a legend. Having played most regular season games (206), he also has the 3rd most sacks for them in the league (76). In his 15th season, Jalen Hurts’ teammate hasn’t been able to contribute much to their playoff run because of a tricep injury in the week 12 game against the LA Rams on November 24. It has forced him to watch the remaining games from the sidelines.

Before getting injured, Brandon Graham played 11 games (1 starter), recording 3.5 sacks, 4 QB hurries, 3 QB hits, 11 QB pressures, and 20 tackles. If he really gets fully fit, it would be an enormous boost to the locker room. Beyond those numbers, his experience and Super Bowl-winning heroics are an invaluable addition. The flock will look to him for tips on winning the trophy a 2nd time.

Usually, a torn tricep injury after week 10 takes the player out of the entire season. But he is different. And he has proved it again.

Jalen Hurts key weapon takes motivation from legend

Brandon Graham didn’t want to watch his last Super Bowl (potentially) from the sidelines. He went deep into history to search for a mantra. And he got one. Eagles legend Hollis Thomas! He also tore his triceps in August 2008 while playing for the Saints. But he trained hard and came back in November, playing 8 games in that season. That was the fire he needed.

“Hollis came back in two-and-a-half months. I was like Man I’m at two-and-a-half (months) right now,” said Jalen Hurts’ teammate while talking about his recovery. While most of the staff is positive, they still want to ensure he is in peak shape. Injuries in the middle of the game can offset the balance much more than anyone anticipates. That too in a high stakes environment like the Super Bowl.

The team also needs something special to defeat Patrick Mahomes, who is riding high after the win against the Bills. One thing is certain. If Graham manages another sneaky strip sack, this time against the Chiefs QB, he will certainly attain the next stage of an already legendary status. Maybe they’ll call him the Eagles GOAT! Wouldn’t it be fair?