Injured Eagles star who was drafted by Andy Reid and Brett Veach could return to haunt them in Super Bowl matchup vs. Chiefs
When center Jason Kelce and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox retired last offseason, that left defensive end Brandon Graham as the last remaining Philadelphia Eagles player who played for current Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid. With the help of Chiefs GM Brett Veach, who is a former scout for the Eagles, Reid drafted Graham in […]
When center Jason Kelce and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox retired last offseason, that left defensive end Brandon Graham as the last remaining Philadelphia Eagles player who played for current Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid.
With the help of Chiefs GM Brett Veach, who is a former scout for the Eagles, Reid drafted Graham in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. It was a great pick, as Graham is now in his 15th season, with All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections to his name. Reid and Veach left Philadelphia after the 2012 season and have been in Kansas City ever since.
Fast forward to 2024, and Graham has a shot to once again play his former coach. He has missed the last nine games with a triceps injury, but on Thursday the Eagles have opened his practice window to return from injured reserve, giving him a chance to play in Super Bowl LIX.
It's possible that Philadelphia determines that Graham isn't able to play, but they'll have 10 days while watching him in practice to decide. If he can go, it will give an already very good Eagles defense an extra boost. Graham may not be the player he once was, but he brings leadership, energy, and experience to the field.
He may also be extra motivated by this potentially being his last game before he retires, which he hinted at earlier in the season. If he does call it a career, he'll finish with 487 total tackles, 76.5 sacks, and 22 forced fumbles. Statistics aside, Graham's main goal will be to go out as a Super Bowl champion.
As for K.C., Graham playing will be one more headache it will have to deal with. The Eagles have arguably the best defensive unit in the NFL, finishing the regular season ranked No. 1 overall, including first against the pass and second in points allowed. Like they did last week against the Buffalo Bills, the Chiefs will need to have its best offensive outing of the year, maybe even better.
