Former Michigan legend hints that NFL career is over after devastating injury
One of the best Michigan Wolverine stars over the last 20 years could be calling it a career after becoming a legend with the Philadelphia Eagles. Brandon Graham tore his triceps on Sunday after moving into third place all-time in franchise history with 76.5 sacks. After 15 years, he admitted this might be it. “I […]
One of the best Michigan Wolverine stars over the last 20 years could be calling it a career after becoming a legend with the Philadelphia Eagles. Brandon Graham tore his triceps on Sunday after moving into third place all-time in franchise history with 76.5 sacks. After 15 years, he admitted this might be it.
“I don’t want to go out like this but if it’s pointing toward that, hey, we’ll see,” Graham said. “I don’t know what the team is going to be feeling at that time. But I know for me, I don’t want to go out like this. I definitely want to be able to finish a whole season before I’m done.
“But if that ain’t in the cards, I’m content with where I’m at too. I’m just not there yet. I’m like, let’s finish this and let’s see how rehab is going and then we’ll go from there.”
The Eagles are soaring with seven consecutive victories, powered by an offense led by Saquon Barkley that is flourishing and a defense that has regained its strength after a challenging start.
Graham, 36, has contributed to the Eagles' pass rush with three sacks, highlighted by a strong performance on Sunday night where he recorded one sack, two tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits. He mentioned that he sustained the injury when he was chipped during a play and multiple reports indicate that he left the game in the fourth quarter.
If this marks the end of Graham's career, he wraps up with 76.5 sacks in his franchise history after being selected No. 13 overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.
“Like I told the boys, man, the mission is still the mission,” Graham said. “We pour everything we can into this game. If I said I trust God, I trust God. I’m just enjoying myself.
“I’m about to enjoy this little rehab and then I’m about to enjoy leading this team the rest of the year, soon as I can bet out there, I’m going to be out there. Man, we was having fun out there and we still going to have fun.”
Graham enjoyed a remarkable career at the University of Michigan from 2006 to 2009, establishing himself as one of the top defensive players in Wolverines history.
Originally a highly regarded recruit from Detroit, he made a successful transition from linebacker to defensive end, where he truly shined. Known for his relentless work ethic, strength, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, he quickly became a dominant presence on the field.
His standout performances occurred during his junior and senior years. In 2008, he led the Big Ten with 10 sacks and continued to excel in 2009, racking up 26 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. His achievements earned him first-team All-Big Ten honors on two occasions, along with the title of Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2009.
By the end of his time at Michigan, Graham had amassed 29.5 sacks, placing him second on the program's all-time list. His leadership, athleticism, and consistent performance endeared him to fans and made him a key player for Michigan’s defense.
