“If I didn’t make it back to the Super Bowl. I probably wouldn’t be up here right now. I promise you I’d be begging to come on back one more. But I was happy to be able to make it back to play with my guys, to put that uniform on one last time in a big moment, big stage.” It was week 12 when Brandon Graham tore his triceps, which looked like a season-ending injury. But against all odds, Graham made it to the Super Bowl LIX just in time. Activated from injury reserves two days prior to the Super Bowl, Graham went on to record 1 tackle in 13 snaps to win his second Lombardi. Later, revealing he retore his triceps in doing so—but it was all worth it as he now rides off to the sunset wearing the cape of the Eagles most decorated player.

Well, honestly, seeing him announce his retirement isn’t really surprising. Instead, it was a long time coming—but why do we still have tears? Anyone who watched BG play would know he probably won’t be getting inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But it doesn’t take away the fact his career was simply legendary. The first pick of Howie Roseman in Philly back in 2010, there isn’t a single player in the Eagles history who has played more games than Graham (206).

Yes, his only Pro Bowl appearance might have come in 2020, but Graham still ranks 3rd in the Eagles all-time sacks list (76.5). So, after 15 seasons as a Bird, he might not earn a trip to Canton. But you cannot disagree with the fact he’s a shoo-in for induction into the Eagles Hall of Fame. He’s a guy you could never catch without a smile on his face. Until, of course, it’s the Eagles losing a battle on the gridiron.

Just to make you remember how much of a down-to-earth individual he is. You could take a look at his interaction with Jalen Hurts after the Eagles won its second Super Bowl. Whispering some words of advice to Hurts, Graham said, “Yeah..Boy, I appreciate you! Appreciate you! Let’em know! Let them boys know, man! Tell’em to get off your back!!” I mean, 55 had just won his second Super Bowl and could have easily taken center stage of attention.

But he didn’t. He wanted to let others know that the unfair criticism of Super Bowl LIX MVP Hurts needed to end once and for all. Maybe it will, or it has already ended. However, Graham wouldn’t be there to share those emotions anymore. His time in Philadelphia is over—as he bows out with an emotional message for the city that changed his life.

Brandon Graham bids Philadelphia goodbye after 15 years of service

You know, 15 years at one time looked like a long shot for Graham, who the Eagles nearly cut. I mean, going back to the 2010 draft board where Graham was selected 13th overall out of Michigan. Only one spot later, legendary NFL safety Earl Thomas was selected by the Seahawks. Thomas went on to become a part of Seattle’s Legion of Boom defense that vanquished the Broncos on their way to the Super Bowl. He made it into seven 7 Pro Bowls and 3 First-Team All-Pro, so Philly, at one time, thought they made the wrong choice.

It even came to a point in 2016 when former Eagles coach Chip Kelly came whiskers away from cutting Graham in favor of LB Travis Long. But Thank God, they didn’t. Otherwise, the Eagles wouldn’t even be in this place. It was Graham’s unforgettable strip sack on Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII that allowed the Eagles to capture their first Super Bowl.

So, it was pretty obvious that Graham would have some words to say to the city that turned a boy into a man. “Finally, to Philadelphia. We didn’t start so tight, as you know, you made me work for this, and I appreciate you for that. You never let me get comfortable. You held me accountable, you kept that chip on my shoulder..and when the time came we celebrated together two times,” Graham said with a heavy voice and teary eyes.

He also went on to add, “This game has changed my life, but more importantly, this city has changed my life. My love for this team and this city will never fade.” Graham will also be remembered as the man who shushed his critics. Comparisons? No problem. Injuries? No issues. Graham kept his head down and worked for it. And look where it took him. He came in with lots of expectations and has deservedly fulfilled all of it and more.