Philadelphia Eagles Honor All-Time Games Played Leader with Jersey Retirement of No. 55
June 24, 2025, 10:50 AM +07, Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia Eagles are set to immortalize their all-time games played leader, Brandon Graham, by retiring his iconic No. 55 jersey. The announcement, made this morning, marks a historic shift for the franchise, breaking from tradition to honor a player whose 15-year career redefined loyalty and grit.
Graham, who retired earlier this year on March 18, 2025, after a legendary run, played 206 regular-season games—surpassing Jason Kelce (193) and Fletcher Cox (188). His final chapter closed with a heroic return from a triceps injury to help secure Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, adding a second championship ring to his collection alongside the 2018 Super Bowl LII triumph. That iconic strip-sack of Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII remains etched in Eagles lore, a moment that launched Philadelphia into NFL immortality.
“Brandon’s heart beats green,” said GM Howie Roseman at the press conference. “He’s the soul of this team, and retiring No. 55 is our way to say thank you.” The decision comes after fan campaigns and teammate endorsements, with Jalyx Hunt calling Graham “a mentor who taught us what it means to fight.”
Graham’s stats back the hype: 70.5 sacks, one Pro Bowl (2020), and a 2016 Second-Team All-Pro nod. But numbers only tell part of the story. Overcoming an ACL tear (2010), an Achilles rupture (2021), and that late-career triceps scare, he embodied resilience. His 90% retirement certainty in April 2025 turned firm in May, cementing his legacy as he walked away at the peak.
The jersey retirement, slated for a ceremony during the 2025 home opener, breaks Eagles’ past reluctance to freeze numbers—unlike Reggie White’s 92 or Brian Dawkins’ 20, which remain unofficially sacred. No. 55’s elevation reflects Graham’s unmatched tenure and emotional bond with the city. “I gave everything to this team,” Graham said, fighting back tears. “To see my number up there means the world.”
This move signals a new era for the Eagles, balancing tradition with recognition of modern heroes. As Philadelphia gears up for the 2025 season, Graham’s No. 55 will hang high, a beacon of perseverance for future generations. Fans can expect a packed Lincoln Financial Field, ready to roar for a legend who turned every snap into a story.
Stay tuned to ESPN for live updates on the retirement ceremony and Eagles’ 2025 season kickoff.
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