O Captain

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Brandon Graham had been dealing with tendonitis in his triceps, a common defect of his occupation, which requires regularly knocking gigantic offensive linemen backwards.

Only this time, the pain was different.

It stung a little longer and, upon further examination, he knew something wasn’t right.

The play that ended Graham’s remarkable, and presumed fifteenth and final NFL season, occurred on a pass play in which the running back chipped the longtime Eagles defensive end and clipped him on his arm, tearing his triceps.

It is not how a career as acclaimed as Graham’s was supposed to end, assuming he has reached the end of the road, but the longest tenured Eagle was still processing the drastic turn of events and had not yet thought that far.

GETTY IMAGES: Philadelphia Eagles DE Brandon Graham logged a sack and two tackles for loss in what may be his final NFL game.

“Man, just trying to process everything right now,” he said. “I haven’t got that far. But you know what? It’s time for some people to step on up. But I’m happy, just where we [are] at. I’m happy as a team. And if anything, if I was gonna go out, I’m happy with the way I played today and I couldn’t ask for anything else, man, with this team that we got. Just gotta stay focused, and I’m gonna make sure that as far as me as a leader, I’m gonna make sure my presence is felt as far as that part.”

Graham, who was in the midst of his most productive game of the season where he registered a sack of Matthew Stafford — giving him 76.6 for his career and placing him third on the franchise’s all-time sack list behind Reggie White (124) and Trent Cole (85.5) — two tackles for loss and three quarterback hits, represents far more to teammates and the organization than a merely veteran mainstay enjoying a banner last hurrah.

For perspective on Graham the individual, who wore a smile and remained light-hearted even in the face of adversity, the response from those closest to him spoke volumes. Nick Sirianni wasn’t ready to answer questions about Graham and his immediate future.

A still-emotional Jordan Mailata mentioned he shed tears in the locker room upon hearing the news and expressed how much Graham means to him. The sentiment shared by some of Graham’s defensive linemates within earshot around the visiting locker room was that they are going to lay it on the line for him.

But Graham’s impact and larger-than-life personality that radiates positivity affects more than just his defensive teammates. Take Saquon Barkley for instance, who had only spent 11 games playing with Graham, who noted his inherent leadership qualities and the impact he’s had on him.

“That sucks,” Barkley said. “Yeah. BG, I’ve only been able to be his teammate for a short period of time, but I felt like I’ve known him for my whole life. He’s the reason why this transition for me has been so easy. Him, along with the other guys. It’s cool to have a vet like that, to be able to talk about anything. The energy and the passion that he brings, not only to this team, and this city. He epitomizes what it means to be a Philadelphia Eagle, and all of us gotta get in line and follow and do what he does … One thing we know about BG, he’s still going to come to work with a smile on his face, and on those Sundays, when we’re walking by, he’s still going to talk crap (to the other team). He’s a leader of this team, and we’re going to rally around him.”

Before Graham made his way to the locker room, he was consoled by quarterback Jalen Hurts, who threw an arm around the 36-year-old and offered words of encouragement for what felt like an extended period of time. Hurts, who assured Graham he was there for him, prayed with his fallen teammate before Grahan left the field.

His words were calculated and from the heart, and for the normally coy franchise quarterback — who typically prefers to keep conversations with teammates private — he seemingly made an exception.

“That was definitely very unfortunate, for the man first and the teammate second,” Hurts said. “[Brandon] a guy that has given himself to this franchise, has always tried to uplift those and really just teach the younger guys that are coming in. You have to think with a guy as deep as he is in his tenure, it’s bigger than the game and why he’s still playing. His pursuit has been to be his best self, but really be the best teammate he can be and serve every way he can.

“I know the man and the conversations that we’ve been afforded to have. It’s unfortunate, but it was just a moment knowing that God has his hands on him. He’s got tested. He’s experienced some of these things once before and God saw it through for him. I think it’s just another pit stop for him. I know he’s going to come back stronger from it, a better man, a better player or whatever he chooses to do and be. I know he’ll be better from it. I know his energy and enthusiasm will reign on as we continue to play the course of the season.”

For Graham to go out unceremoniously as he did puts a considerable damper on the Eagles’ dominant road win. Graham serves as the proverbial heartbeat of a resurgent Eagles defense. His on-field play in the twilight of his career has been inspiring, while his mentorship to younger players and familiarity with what it takes to set the temperature, lead, and reach the NFL’s apex has been invaluable assets to the 9-2 Eagles. And on Sunday evening, he was arguably the team’s most impactful defensive player, playing with passion and tenacity, hallmark traits.

During Graham’s postgame availability, a common sentiment he shared was that he wasn’t going to sulk. And don’t expect his commitment to serving as a locker room pillar and team captain to waver, either. He’ll still be present on the sideline, imparting wisdom, aiding in fostering the growth of younger players — and, as always, there will be plenty of light-hearted chirping. He may not done, but as Graham said, “the mission’s still the mission.”

“I’m in such good shape right now, so it hurt,” he said. “It definitely hurt. But, like I say, if I trust God gotta plan for me, man, I’m content where I’m at. I know guys still need me, as far as just making sure I’m watching them and telling them stuff that I see on the sideline. And, man, I’m just gonna be the best leader I can be. I’m committed. I’m all the way in. We got something special here, man, and we gotta keep building. We ain’t done nothin’ yet.”

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.