History of Brandon Graham in Timeline
Brandon Lee Graham is an American football defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles. Drafted 13th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft from the University of Michigan, he was the first Big Ten Conference player selected that year. Graham earned All-American honors during his college career.
April 3, 1988: Birth of Brandon Graham
Brandon Lee Graham was born on April 3, 1988.
1996: Crockett Vocational Tech's Football Program Begins
Crockett Vocational Tech, Brandon Graham's high school, started participating in MHSAA football competitions in 1996.
2003: All-Detroit Honorable Mention
As a sophomore in 2003, Brandon Graham earned an honorable mention All-Detroit selection.
2004: High School Success and State Championships Run
In 2004, Brandon Graham led his high school team to the MHSAA state championships and was named to the First-team All-Detroit team.
2005: Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year and Other Honors
In 2005, Brandon Graham was named Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year and received several other honors, including being named to the USA Today All-USA High School All-America first team.
January 7, 2006: U.S. Army All-American Bowl Captain and Awards Finalist
On January 7, 2006, Brandon Graham was captain of the East team at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and a finalist for the Parade All-America and Walter Payton awards.
2006: Brandon Graham's Freshman Season at Michigan
In 2006, Brandon Graham began his college football career at the University of Michigan as a freshman. Initially listed as a linebacker, he switched to defensive end before the season began. Graham played as a backup for LaMarr Woodley and made his first tackle on October 28 against Northwestern, followed by recording his first sack and forced fumble on November 11 against Indiana.
2006: High School Honors and All-American Bowl
In 2006, Brandon Graham served as captain for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and received numerous All-American honors.
2006: Top High School Recruit
In 2006, Brandon Graham was ranked as a top high school football prospect by various recruiting services.
2006: McDonald's-Powerade Tomorrow's Winners Honoree
In 2006, Brandon Graham was recognized as a McDonald's-Powerade Tomorrow's Winners honoree at the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame dinner.
2007: Brandon Graham's 2007 Season: Legal Issues and On-Field Success
In 2007, Brandon Graham faced an arrest warrant for missing a court date related to a ticket for loud music but was later cleared due to misidentification. On the field, he recorded 3.5 sacks against Notre Dame on September 15, leading Michigan to victory and continued to excel throughout the season, leading the team in sacks and ranking high in the Big Ten for sacks and forced fumbles.
2008: Brandon Graham's 2008 Season Highlights
In 2008, Brandon Graham had a standout season for the Michigan Wolverines, starting as a Hendricks award watch list candidate. He recorded 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles against Wisconsin on September 27 and was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week. Despite his team losing against Michigan State on October 25, Graham recorded three sacks. He finished the season leading the Big Ten in tackles for loss and was named Second-team All-Big Ten.
2008: Brandon Graham's 2008 Season Highlights
In 2008, Brandon Graham had a standout season for the Michigan Wolverines, starting as a Hendricks award watch list candidate. He recorded 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles against Wisconsin on September 27 and was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week. Despite his team losing against Michigan State on October 25, Graham recorded three sacks. He finished the season leading the Big Ten in tackles for loss and was named Second-team All-Big Ten.
2008: Big Ten Conference Tackles for Loss Leader
In 2008, Brandon Graham led the Big Ten Conference in tackles for loss and earned Second-team All-conference recognition.
December 2009: Brandon Graham's Achievements in December 2009
In December 2009, Brandon Graham was recognized as the Chicago Tribune Silver Football co-MVP of the Big Ten and earned multiple All-American honors. As the only Big Ten player on Mel Kiper Jr.'s 'Big Board' Top 25, he also became Michigan's first two-time team MVP as a defensive player.
2009: Big Ten Conference Co-MVP and Awards
In 2009, Brandon Graham was named Big Ten Conference co-MVP and won the FBS tackles for a loss title.
January 30, 2010: Brandon Graham Earns MVP Honors at 2010 Senior Bowl
On January 30, 2010, Brandon Graham showcased his talent at the Senior Bowl, earning MVP honors. He recorded five tackles, including two sacks, and forced a fumble, solidifying his reputation as a top defensive player heading into the NFL Draft.
July 29, 2010: Brandon Graham Signs Contract with Eagles
On July 29, 2010, Brandon Graham signed a five-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles worth $16.90 million, with $12.67 million guaranteed. He was slated to start as a defensive end for the team in the upcoming season.
November 28, 2010: Brandon Graham's Performance Against Chicago Bears
On November 28, 2010, Brandon Graham delivered a strong performance with a season-high three solo tackles and a sack during the Philadelphia Eagles' loss to the Chicago Bears.
December 12, 2010: Brandon Graham Suffers ACL Injury
On December 12, 2010, Brandon Graham suffered a torn ACL during a Philadelphia Eagles game against the Dallas Cowboys, which led to his placement on injured reserve.
December 14, 2010: Brandon Graham Placed on Injured Reserve
On December 14, 2010, the Philadelphia Eagles placed Brandon Graham on the injured reserve list following his ACL injury sustained against the Dallas Cowboys. He underwent microfracture surgery on December 21.
2010: NFL Draft
In 2010, Brandon Graham was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the NFL draft.
2010: Brandon Graham Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles
In 2010, Brandon Graham was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round, 13th overall, of the NFL Draft. He was the first defensive player from the Big Ten Conference selected that year. Initially choosing number 94, he later decided on number 54 for his jersey.
2010: Senior Bowl MVP
Brandon Graham was named MVP of the 2010 Senior Bowl.
July 28, 2011: Brandon Graham on Physically Unable to Perform List
On July 28, 2011, Brandon Graham was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list before the start of the Philadelphia Eagles' training camp, delaying his return to the field.
November 5, 2011: Brandon Graham Activated from PUP List
On November 5, 2011, Brandon Graham was activated from the physically unable to perform list, allowing him to return to practice with the Philadelphia Eagles following his injury recovery.
2012: 2012 Season Performance
During the 2012 season, Brandon Graham played in 16 games, starting six of them. He recorded 5.5 sacks, 38 total tackles, one pass defended, and two forced fumbles.
2013: Position Change and 2013 Season
In 2013, Brandon Graham transitioned from defensive end to linebacker, a move predicted by many during his college years. He played in 16 games, accumulating three sacks, 20 total tackles, and one forced fumble.
2014: 2014 Season Performance
In the 2014 season, Graham started one game and appeared in 15 others, tallying 5.5 sacks, 47 total tackles, and four forced fumbles, which placed him fourth in the NFL for forced fumbles.
2015: Contract Renewal and 2015 Season
Brandon Graham nearly signed with the New York Giants in 2015 but ultimately re-signed with the Eagles on a 4-year, $26 million contract with $14 million guaranteed. During the 2015 season, he appeared in all 16 games, with 10 starts, recording 6.5 sacks, 51 total tackles, and one pass defended.
2016: All-Pro Selection
Brandon Graham was named a second-team All-Pro in 2016.
2016: 2016 Season and Accolades
In 2016, Graham returned to defensive end under Jim Schwartz, contributing 59 tackles, two forced fumbles, and 5.5 sacks for the Philadelphia Eagles. His performance earned him a place on the 2016 All-Pro 2nd Team (Associated Press), first team All-Pro (Pro Football Focus), All-NFC (Pro Football Writers Association), and he was ranked ninth best player by Pro Football Focus.
2017: Recognition in NFL Top 100 Players
In 2017, Brandon Graham was ranked 93rd on the NFL Top 100 Players list, as voted by his peers.
2017: Super Bowl LII Champion and Key Play
In 2017, Brandon Graham led the Eagles in sacks and made a crucial strip-sack on Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII.
2017: 2017 Season, Playoff Performance, and Super Bowl LII Victory
Graham's 2017 season began with a strong performance against the Redskins, where he recorded four tackles, two sacks, and a pass deflection. He went on to achieve a career-high 9.5 sacks along with 47 tackles, earning performance bonuses. In the playoffs, he made two key tackles for loss against the Atlanta Falcons, and in Super Bowl LII, his strip-sack of Tom Brady proved crucial to the Eagles' 41-33 victory.
May 16, 2018: Ankle Surgery and Offseason Impact
On May 16, 2018, it was announced that Brandon Graham had undergone ankle surgery earlier that month, affecting his participation in offseason practices.
March 1, 2019: Contract Extension
On March 1, 2019, Brandon Graham signed a three-year, $40 million contract extension with the Eagles, securing his future with the team through the 2021 season.
2020: Pro Bowl Selection
Brandon Graham was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2020.
2020: 2020 Season and Pro Bowl Selection
In 2020, Brandon Graham continued to be a strong presence on the field with eight sacks, 46 total tackles (35 solo), and two forced fumbles in 16 games (all starts). His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection.
March 15, 2021: Contract Extension
On March 15, 2021, Graham solidified his commitment to the Eagles by signing a one-year contract extension.
September 21, 2021: Season-Ending Injury
On September 21, 2021, Brandon Graham's season was cut short due to a torn Achilles tendon, placing him on injured reserve.
2021: Ranking in NFL Top 100 Players
In 2021, Brandon Graham was ranked 99th by his peers in the NFL Top 100 Players list.
2021: 2019 Season Performance and Upcoming Contract End
The 2019 season saw Graham make significant contributions, including three sacks against Luke Falk (Jets) and a strip-sack against Josh Allen (Bills). He finished the season with 8.5 sacks, 50 total tackles (35 solo), and one forced fumble. His contract was set to end after the 2021 season.
2022: 2022 Season, Super Bowl Appearance, and Player of the Week Awards
In 2022, Brandon Graham had a remarkable season, earning two NFC Defensive Player of the Week awards, one for his performance against the Commanders (2.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, a pass defended, five quarterback hits, and a forced fumble) in week three and the second after a game against the Giants (three sacks, four tackles, and a forced fumble) in week 14. He also reached Super Bowl LVII with the Eagles, but the team lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
2022: Musical Contribution to "A Philly Special Christmas"
In 2022, Brandon Graham showcased his musical talents by providing vocals on the Christmas album "A Philly Special Christmas".
March 10, 2023: Contract Renewal and Continued Tenure with the Eagles
On March 10, 2023, Brandon Graham continued his long-standing relationship with the Eagles by signing another one-year contract. At this point, he was the longest-tenured Eagle with 178 regular season games.
November 26, 2023: Franchise Record for Games Played
On November 26, 2023, Brandon Graham achieved a significant milestone, surpassing David Akers' record of 188 regular-season games played for the Eagles, solidifying his legacy within the franchise.