Brandon Graham Mulling Retirement After the 2023 Season
It’s tough to find a person with a bad thing to say about Brandon Graham. Philadelphia Eagles fans adore the franchise legend who set a career-high in sacks for the…
It’s tough to find a person with a bad thing to say about Brandon Graham. Philadelphia Eagles fans adore the franchise legend who set a career-high in sacks for the NFC champions in 2022.
Will they watch him for the last time in 2023?
Graham made some interesting comments to Jeff McLane on uncovering the Birds. Retirement isn’t off the table if the Eagles win Super Bowl LVIII after the 2023 season.
“This might be the one. I’m saying it. I’m saying it. As far as, (if) we win it, I might have to consider going out on top.” -Brandon Graham
Brandon Graham
Eagles fans undoubtedly know the admirable story of a player who overcame the first-round “bust” label to strip-sack Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII for the most impactful play in franchise history.
Graham, Jason Kelce, Fletcher Cox, and Lane Johnson have withstood the test of time as foundational players throughout multiple head coaching regimes, two Super Bowl appearances, and the franchise’s most memorable season in 2017.
The Eagles have had their fair share of draft misses, but they certainly succeeded by selecting one of the four respective linemen in four consecutive drafts from 2010-2013.
Kelce continues to sign annual one-year contracts through his mid-30s to delay an inevitable retirement. His decision makes the headlines each offseason. It might seem like he’ll never go away, but it’s clear the star center is near the end.
Cox is on a similar farewell tour of one-year contracts without nearly as much attention. Johnson might’ve hung up the pads for good if the Eagles won Super Bowl LVII.
Impact of Potential Brandon Graham Retirement
Graham’s timeline hasn’t been as clear. He agreed to a one-year deal to stay in Philadelphia for the 2023 season.
"I wasn't interested in going anywhere else," he said in March. "This is my home. I love everything about the Eagles, about being part of this family.”
Sack totals are the most obvious way to judge edge rushers. On the surface, a career-high 11 sacks in 2022 suggests Graham is at his peak. However, he played only 43% of the defensive snaps last season, his lowest percentage in a full season since 2014.
The loaded stable of defensive linemen also put intense pressure on opponents to handle a fearsome pass rush, allowing individuals on the defensive line to feast on opportunities for excellent statistical seasons.
Is the writing on the wall for an aging player? Graham specifically pointed out to McLane that winning a second Super Bowl would make his decision much easier. The Eagles are favorites in the NFC entering the 2023 season, and they have as good of a chance at a Lombardi Trophy as they’ve had in recent history.
No Philadelphia Eagles fans want to see Graham go. They’ll miss what Jordan Mailata called an “infectious laugh” that defines his teammate’s aura of positivity. It’ll be disappointing in the moment.
However, they won’t be too disappointed if they’re celebrating their second Super Bowl in seven seasons.
If Brandon Graham decides on retirement because of the satisfaction of going out on top, it’ll be a good problem for Eagles fans to face.
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The Philadelphia Eagles revealed the 33 members of the 2023 Eagles Cheerleader roster. The announcement came with a series of epic photo shoots.
One of which shows off the Kelly Green throwback uniform.
This year's squad includes eight new members and 25 returning veterans. The occupations of team members span a wide range of fields. There are two 1st Gade Teachers and an Adjunct Professor of Biology and Physical Therapy. There is an Analytical Chemist and a Registered Nurse Specializing in Chemotherapy Infusion.
“As brand ambassadors for the organization, the Eagles Cheerleaders take great pride in giving back to the community and have a unique platform to engage with Eagles fans everywhere through their involvement in goodwill military tours, humanitarian efforts, and community outreach.” Jen Kavanagh, Senior Vice President of Media and Marketing, shared in a press release. She continued, “They bring the energy and passion of the Eagles brand to life, and we look forward to the positive impact they will make this season.”
Look for the full team debut on Sunday, August 6th at the Philadelphia Eagles Public Practice at Lincoln Financial Field.
Barbara Zaun, Director of Entertainment Teams, pointed out the team’s excitement as “they will also take part in celebrating the return of the classic Kelly Green throwback uniforms alongside our fans."
Those uniforms will roll out on October 22 when the team hosts the Miami Dolphins and again on November 26 against the Buffalo Bills.
Without further adieu meet your 2023 Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders:
Arielle
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia, PA, Earning a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Neumann University. Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology from Temple University. Fifth season.
Cassidy
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesSouth Amboy, NJ, Special Education Teacher. Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Rutgers University. Rookie.
Ashley
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesNewtown, PA, Marketing Director for Public Adjustment Agency. Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in professional studies with minors in dance and nutrition from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Sophomore season.
James
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia, PA, Special Education Assistant Teacher and Youth Mentor. Earned a Bachelor's degree in special education from Temple University. Three seasons.
Azari
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesPhillipsburg, NJ, Dance Educator and Choreographer. Earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance with a minor in business from The University of the Arts. Six seasons.
Cassandra
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesMullica Hill, NJ, Advertising Sales Assistant. Earned a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Montclair State University. Sophomore season.
Cailin
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesOttawa, Ontario, Canada, Advertising Sales Account Executive. Earned a Bachelor's degree with honors in political science from Carleton University. Two seasons.
Taylor
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesNorfolk, VA, School-Based Therapist. Earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance and Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University; Earned a Master's of Arts degree in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Drexel University. Rookie
Chelsea
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesBrunswick, NJ, Oncology Clinical Research Scientist. Earned a Master of Science in Regulatory Science from John Hopkins University; Earned Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northeastern University East. Rookie.
Cassie
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesHorsham, PA, 1st Grade Teacher. Earned a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Joseph's University; Pursuing Master's degree in PreK-4 Education at Gwynedd Mercy University. Three seasons as an Eagles Cheerleader.
Marissa
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesLong Island, NY, Elementary School Teacher. Earned a Master of Science degree in special education from Adelphia University; Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood & childhood education with a concentration in STEM from Hofstra University. Two seasons.
Chrissy
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesHammonton, NJ, Manager and Coach of Gymnastics Center. Earned a Bachelor's degree in accounting from Stockton University. Five seasons.
Deja
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia, PA, Strategic Management Coordinator. Earned a Bachelor of Science in Business degree in Management with dual minors in Mathematics and International Business from West Chester University; Earned a Master of Business Administration degree with a certification in Entrepreneurship from West Chester University. Three seasons.
Emily Rae
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesNewtown, PA, Chief Marketing Officer of Law Firm. Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in dance with concentrations in education, performance and choreography from Muhlenberg College. 5th season with the squad.
Jaime
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesWoolwich Township, NJ, Public Relations Professional at a Strategic Communications Agency. Earned a Bachelor's degree in communications with a concentration in public relations and minor in marketing from Loyola University Maryland. Third season.
Kelly
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesFlemington, NJ, Pursuing a career in Business Management and Marketing. Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from University of Delaware (May 2023 Graduate). Rookie
Kelsey Rae
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia, PA, Earning Postgraduate Certification in American Sign Language to become an interpreter. Earned a Bachelor's degree in liberal arts with a minor in criminal justice, psychology, and sign language from Neumann University. Six seasons.
Kyle
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesLansdale, PA , Physical Therapist & Adjunct Professor (of Biology and Physical Therapy). Earned a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a biomedical concentration from Arcadia University. Four seasons.
Kyra
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesMount Royal, NJ, Corporate Accountant. Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting with a minor in dance from Rowan University. Second season.
Laura
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesMechanicsburg, PA, Senior Data Analyst. Eached a Bachelor of Science in health information management from University of Pittsburgh. Two seasons.
Lucia
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesWilliamstown, NJ, 1st Grade Teacher. Earned a Bachelor's degree in early education and special education from Saint Joseph University. Three seasons.
Makenna
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesNewark, DE, Immuno-Oncology Researcher. Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Villanova University. Rookie.
Mya
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesAsbury Park, NJ, Medical Technology Research Executive. Earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing from Temple University. Four seasons.
Warner
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesSomerdale, NJ, Registrar in Healthcare industry; pursuing a career as diagnostic medical sonographer. Earned a Bachelor of Arts & Science in health science from Rutgers University. Two seasons.
Taylor
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia, PA. Realtor. Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy from West Chester University. Six seasons.
Gabriela
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesDelran, NJ, Registered Nurse Specializing in Chemotherapy Infusion. Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Widener University. Five seasons.
Tamia
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesFontana, CA, Analytical Chemist. Earned a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry and molecular biology from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. Five seasons with the squad.
Hanna
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesTalofofo, Guam, Data Analyst. Earned a Master of Science in Healthcare Informatics from University of San Diego; Earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Rookie
Talia
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesWall Township, NJ, Director of Engagement for Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care facility. Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in recreational therapy with a minor in dance from Temple University. Six seasons.
Shelby
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesThornton, CO, Historian, published author, genealogist. Earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in history from University of Colorado. Three seasons with the squad.
Samantha
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesRedford City, CA, Marketing Manager for Financial Company. Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Stanford University. Rookie
Rylee
Courtesy the Philadelphia EaglesParkville, MD, Marketing PA for Clean Energy Agency. Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography & Environmental Studios from University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Rookie.
