Detroit, MI
Would Detroit’s Brandon Graham come out of retirement for Lions? No, but …
Brandon Graham is enjoying retirement these days after playing 15 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, going out in style with the Eagles’ win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.
It was Graham’s second Super Bowl championship, with the first coming after the 2017 season, when he strip-sacked Tom Brady, forcing a fumble that helped the Eagles defeat the New England Patriots, 41-33.
Graham, who played at Detroit Crockett and then at Michigan, where he was first-team All-American in 2009, suffered a torn triceps injury, forcing him to miss the postseason before he returned to play 13 snaps at defensive end in the Super Bowl win.
When asked how he felt, and if he still stays in game shape, Graham told The Detroit News on Wednesday: “It’s all healed up good, and I’m fine. I work out every day.”
The Detroit Lions have questions marks on their defensive line, with especially with the injuries to defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike out for the season following an ACL injury, defensive tackle Alim McNeil still rehabbing from an ACL injury, and defensive ends Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport coming back from injuries.
Would Graham, 37, entertain coming out of retirement if the Lions called?
“I’m retired, enoying life in retirement the last five months,” Graham said. “The only team I’d come out of retirement for is the Eagles, the only team I’ve ever played for. I’m loyal.”
But, what if the Lions did call him?
“If they were offering me something crazy,” Graham said. “Sure, it would be cool to play for the hometown team. It’s all about how I’m valued by them. What would be expected of me because I’m more than just a player. I know I can still play, but if it’s worth it because there’s only so long you can bang your body … but, yes I do still have something left in the tank.”
Graham is known for his leadership, immense talent and durability where he played more games (218, including postseason games) and more seasons (15) than any other player in Eagles’ history, and don’t forget the 76½ sacks during the regular season (and 82 in all).
Graham still has his love for Detroit.
“I still stay in touch with my coaches at Crockett, Coach (Rod) Oden’s son Jacob is now playing at Michigan, and my high school math teacher and coach (Gerald) Guerrant’s son, Dakota, is playing for them at Harper Woods. It was great to see Jacob win a state title at Harper Woods, something we never did when I was in high school.
“I went to Michigan’s camp this summer and talked to the recruits and got a chance to talk with Jacob. It was a great experience, trying to tell them all to make the right decisions, surround yourself with the right people with God in the center of it all. That’s what I did because it’s been a day-to-day grind, for sure.”
If the Lions don’t call, Graham will enjoy retirement and his time with his wife Carlyne and their sons, 9-year-old Emerson and 6-year-old Bryson. He said he plans to come home and see his grandparents in the not-so-distant future.
“Right now my title is retired, but I’ve had offers come my way, media stuff,” Graham said. “I’m excited to find out what I love to do next.”
david.goricki@detroitnews.com