SUPERBOWL 52
Once called a bust, the Eagles’ defensive end, Brandon Graham, is about to make, arguably, the most important play in Eagle’s history during the Super Bowl era.
With 2:09 remaining in Super Bowl 52, Eagles DE, affectionately called B.G., a player hardly mentioned heading into the big game despite being fresh off the best regular season of his eight-year career with 9.5 sacks, made the strip seen around the world.
2nd and 2, the Patriots are driving down the field, at their own 33, down by 5 points in the fourth quarter with less than 3 minutes remaining, led by the greatest Quarterback in NFL history needing only a TD to win another Super Bowl. He’s had many comebacks during his career. In fact, in the previous Super Bowl, the Patriots were down 28–3 at halftime and Brady led the greatest comeback in SB history to win his sixth Championship ring. This knowledge was fresh in every Eagles fan’s mind as the Patriots started this drive. Then lightning struck.
“I knew I had a one-on-one with the guard. I knew he liked to be aggressive, so I tried to act like I was pulling. I snatched it right off, and Tom Brady’s arm was right there, and I went for the ball.”
Every person watching the game with me jumped out of their seat, as did every Eagles fan at the game, at home, or in a sports bar. It wasn’t officially over at that point (Brady still attempted a time-expiring Hail Mary), but it sure felt like it was when that ball rolled out of Brady’s hand and into Derek Barnetts.
And just like that, he became a Philly legend. Royalty.
But it was not an easy road for him to get there. Years of hard work, persevering through injuries, and overcoming unfair judgment had to be brushed to the side, like the ball he knocked out of Brady’s hand that fell into Derek Barnett’s, which secured the title and a parade down Broad Street.
OVERCOMING BUST LABEL
When Graham was drafted 10th overall in the 2010 draft most fans wanted a Brian Dawkins replacement. And one was available when they made their selection. A hard-hitting, game-changing safety by the name of Earl Thomas.
Not unlike ten years earlier when a lot of fans wanted Ricky Williams over Donovan McNabb, the backlash of selecting Brandon was immediate, intense, and unfair.
He endured years of listening to fans’ insults. And even more hate from local talk radio and the media who constantly called him a bust.
“I had to not take it personal and know that they got a job to do and they got papers to sell”
Getting over that perception was tough at the beginning of his career, and he put a lot of pressure on himself to be better. Struggling was not something Graham had endured before.
“ I was young and immature because I wanted to have early success. I learned that I’m a fighter and I just kept fighting”
And he kept getting better. Season by season, game by game.
From breaking into the league and being challenged to stay on the roster to winning playoff games and a championship, the one constant was always his effort and positive attitude.
Heading into the 2021 season B.G. was coming off his first Pro Bowl selection, and even then aged 33, he was proving a lot of football was left in his tank.
Then adversity struck again. His will would once again be challenged.
RETURNING FROM INJURY
When #55 went down in week 2 of the 2021 season the coaches, fans and teammates feared the worst.
His long-time teammate and lineman, Fletcher Cox, was visibly shook.
“It was a pretty emotional moment for me to see BG limp off the field. Me and Brandon have played so much ball together, and to see him walk off the field was pretty rough for me.”
After the game, the fears were realized. Brandon had torn his Achilles.
Talk began that it may be the end of the line for B.G. as those injuries are hard to come back from. Especially for a player his age.
But Brandon wasn’t having any of that. Always the optimist, always a leader. He posted his thoughts.
“We still about to shock the world! I will just be leading from the sidelines this year working to be great for 2022. Appreciate all the love and now it is time for guys to step it up. U have to find the treasure in every situation! #eagles.”
He stated he was coming back, and that he would be coming back strong.
Graham also stated that he wanted to be the NFL comeback player of the year. Despite any doubts from outsiders who don’t know the desire that burns in his heart.
“I enjoy when they do that. Just makes me want to just work harder. When you got that respect in the room in the building I try not to take that for granted”
Philly insiders and everyone inside the locker room already knew his work ethic, and nobody doubted his return would be as grandiose as Brandon described.
So far this season, Brandon looks like the B.G. of the past. Disrupting the timing of the opposing QBs via his patented trash-talking, while causing QB hurries, and of course, getting sacks.
Brandon only needed three games to win NFC Defensive Player of the week by dominating the team he was injured against 12 months earlier with 2.5 sacks against his old friend, Carson Wentz.
Graham also has regained his knack for providing the biggest play in the biggest moment. And he did it again versus Dallas in week 6 with the world watching during Sunday Night Football.
The Cowboys had the ball with 5 minutes left in the game. Brandon had not had his name called but once all night, for one tackle.
Yet again, he stepped up when needed the most.
B.G. got past Cowboys OL, Tyler Smith, and hit Cowboys QB Cooper Rush as he released the ball. The pass goes up but is wobbling through the air and off target. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, who had just re-entered the game after injuring his hand earlier, is the recipient of the errant throw which lead the Eagle’s defense to commandeer their third interception of the night and his second.
Brandon Graham looks poised to continue his excellent play.
THE FUTURE
Graham has made it clear that he wants to continue playing beyond this season. Without an extension in place, there is a very real possibility this could be his last season in Eagle green.
Brandon Graham’s current contract with the Eagles ends when the season does. He is playing well and wants to continue playing for a couple more seasons. He would prefer those years to be in Philadelphia.
BG has stated that he would like to play 15 seasons with the Eagles, which would mean he wants to stay 2 more years.
“I still got that burn on the inside. I love this game. I feel like for me, I just want to make sure I’m enjoying every day. I’m just excited to help the boys because we really do got a bunch of great players this year.”
His positive attitude enables him to see the best in certain actions as a sign that he will be back in Philly. Like when Head Coach Nick Sirianni wears his jersey at a press conference.
“It makes me feel like I got another year, coach wearing my jersey. When they stop talking bout me, it’s like alright ya’ll this my last year.” he said laughing, as always.
A Month After Winning the Super Bowl
In March 2018, I met B.G., he came up to me and gave me a big hug like we were long-lost friends. It was the first time I had ever met Brandon. I was so taken aback I almost forgot to ask him my question. “Were your eyes closed when you made the famous strip that sealed the Eagle’s first Super Bowl victory?”
“They were, they were” he hollered while laughing. His smile and jovial personality are so infectious it makes everyone who meets him smile and starts laughing along with him.
We talked for a couple more minutes then he read a text message off his phone and told me his wife said he had to hurry up and get home. He laughed again, gave me another hug, and walked away saying
“We are going to win another one for you guys”
That’s Brandon. Always upbeat and positive.
September 2022
A couple of weeks ago he shared more of his positivity regarding his future.
“Hopefully, I’m still with them Birds. At least for another year or two. End it off right, coming off a Super Bowl.”
I hope it isn’t, but if this is goodbye, it would be great to share one more celebration together. Brandon deserves it.
As Always, Thank You for reading!
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