Brandon Graham is an American professional football defensive end and is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, being the 13th overall pick and the first player selected from the Big Ten Conference that year. Prior to his NFL career, Graham was recognized as an All-American college football player during his time at the University of Michigan.
On April 3, 1988, Brandon Lee Graham was born. He later became a professional football defensive end.
In 1996, Crockett Vocational Tech, the school Brandon Graham attended, began participating in Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) football competitions.
In 2003, Brandon Graham was recognized as an honorable mention lineman 2003 All-Detroit selection by The Detroit News during his sophomore year.
In 2004, as a junior, Brandon Graham led his team to the MHSAA state championships and was named to the 2004 First-team All-Detroit team.
In 2005, Brandon Graham was named the Detroit News No. 1 Blue Chip prospect.
On January 7, 2006, Brandon Graham participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, recording four tackles and a blocked field goal.
Before the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season, Brandon Graham switched to defensive end and played as a backup.
In 2006, Brandon Graham served as captain for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, receiving high accolades and being a finalist for prestigious individual honors as a high school football player.
In 2006, Brandon Graham was recognized as one of ten top prep athletes in Michigan as a 2006 McDonald's-Powerade Tomorrow's Winners honoree.
In 2006, Rivals.com ranked Brandon Graham as the top high school football prospect in Michigan and a top prospect nationally.
In 2007, Brandon Graham received a perfect 99 rating in the NCAA 2008 EA Sports game.
In 2008, Brandon Graham led the Big Ten Conference in tackles for loss, recording 20 in 11 games.
In 2008, Brandon Graham was a mid-season Ted Hendricks Award watch list candidate.
On September 27, 2008, Brandon Graham was named Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Week after recording 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles against the Wisconsin Badgers.
As of December 2009, Brandon Graham was the only Big Ten player on Mel Kiper Jr.'s "Big Board" Top 25.
In 2009, Brandon Graham was named the Big Ten Conference co-MVP, receiving the Chicago Tribune Silver Football award. He also led the FBS in tackles for loss per game.
On January 30, 2010, Brandon Graham earned MVP honors at the Senior Bowl.
On November 28, 2010, Brandon Graham recorded a season-high three solo tackles and one sack during a loss against the Chicago Bears.
On December 12, 2010, Brandon Graham suffered a torn ACL during a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
On December 14, 2010, the Philadelphia Eagles placed Brandon Graham on the injured reserve list following his ACL tear.
In 2010, Brandon Graham was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the NFL draft, being the thirteenth overall selection and the first from the Big Ten Conference.
In 2016, Brandon Graham was selected for the second All-Pro team.
During the 2017 NFL season, Brandon Graham led the Super Bowl LII champion Philadelphia Eagles in quarterback sacks with 9.5, also making a pivotal strip sack on Tom Brady.
On March 10, 2023, Brandon Graham re-signed with the Eagles on a one-year contract, becoming the longest-tenured Eagle with 178 regular-season games played.
On November 26, 2023, Brandon Graham surpassed David Akers' franchise record of 188 regular-season games played for the Eagles.
On March 9, 2024, Brandon Graham signed a one-year contract extension with the Eagles.
On February 8, 2025, Brandon Graham was activated off injured reserve in time for Super Bowl LIX.