Brandon Graham has done it all during his 15-year NFL career.
He's a Super Bowl Champion, a Pro Bowl selection, and has played the most games by an Eagle ever (206). Graham is third all time on the Eagles' sacks list with 76.5 as well.
For how good he is as a player on the field, Graham is an even better person off the field.
Graham is the Philadelphia Eagles nominee for the 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, presented by Nationwide. It is considered the league's most prestigious honor, recognizing a player's community service off the field along with their success on the field.
"It's a blessing to be honored for the second time as the Eagles' Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year," said Graham. "This team, city, and fanbase have given so much to me and my family over the years. I'm very grateful for that and it's what drives me to continue serving this amazing community and Eagles fans around the world. This is a special recognition and I would like to thank everyone, especially my teammates and coaches, who have supported me on my professional journey."
"It is with great honor that we nominate Brandon Graham once again for the distinguished Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award," said Jeffrey Lurie, Chairman and CEO, Philadelphia Eagles. "For 15 years, Brandon has proudly served as a model representative for the Eagles, the City of Philadelphia, and the National Football League. I've always admired the way Brandon attacks everything in his life – both on and off the field – with great vigor and positivity. His tenacious work ethic, passion for the community, and exemplary character are just some of the many qualities that make him so special."
The longest-tenured player in Philadelphia sports, Graham cemented himself in the city's history when he strip-sacked Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII. The takeaway, recovered by Derek Barnett, led to a Jake Elliott field goal to put the Eagles up 41-33 with 1:05 remaining.
Currently in his sixth season as a captain of the team, Graham has been an inspiration for his teammates and coaches along with fans of the city. Despite suffering a season-ending triceps tear against the Rams in Week 12, none of that will change.
"I'm devastated for him because he's probably one of the best leaders I've been around," All-Pro right tackle and 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee Lane Johnson said. "Not only how he plays, but how he mentors the young guys on and off the field. He's kind of like a father figure to a lot of these guys. A guy that his story just screams perseverance and resiliency with everything he's overcome."
Off the field, Graham started the Team Graham Fund. The fund offers its time and resources to various organizations and causes in the Detroit area – his and wife Carlyne's hometown. Team Graham's efforts include mentoring young adults, giving away clothes, and feeding the homeless and needy families. In addition, he has been active in fundraising events including Eagles Radiothon for Eagles Autism Foundation.
Graham has volunteered his time with many nonprofits that include March of Dimes, Make-A-Wish, Ronald McDonald House, American Heart Association, and Liberty USO. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education which sets out to create opportunity for under-resourced youth of the Greater Philadelphia region.
"For me, just to able to help the city, because I know how much they look up to the team, you just want to make sure that you're going about things the right way. I feel like we always had good people on this team to help remind you that it's not just about me," Graham said.
"That's what makes it so much greater. When you're in this big position, you still think about the people that are trying to make their way too."
Graham always goes out of his way to help others. Whether it's making video messages for fans in need over the years, giving away tickets and gear, or contributing to the Eagles Autism Foundation – Graham puts others before himself.
"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 everyone he can," quarterback Jalen Hurts said.
For Graham, it's about doing the right thing no matter the situation. That is why he is the Eagles' nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
"I have to continue to be me. So, sometimes when I don't feel like giving back or doing something, because maybe stuff isn't going so good in my life, you try to fight against the hard right thing to do than the easy wrong thing to do. I try to go against my feelings. And when I say I'm going to do something, I try to do it. I feel like it always pays off in a little or a big way," Graham said.
"I'm doing it because I'm in a role model position and I just want to continue to keep serving and helping."
All 32 nominees will receive up to a $55,000 donation in their name to their charity of choice. The winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award will receive up to a $265,000 donation to the charity of their choice. All donations are courtesy of the NFL Foundation and Nationwide.
Fans are encouraged to participate in Nationwide's annual Charity Challenge, a social media and online contest, to support and promote team nominees. Fans can vote on X/Twitter for Graham by using #WPMOYChallenge followed by 'Graham' and/or '@brandongraham55' anywhere within the tweet, or by voting directly at NFL.com/ManOfTheYear. The player who receives the most collective hashtag mentions and online votes will win an additional $35,000 donation from Nationwide to the charity of their choice, with the runner-up receiving $10,000, and third place receiving $5,000. Charity Challenge voting takes place from Thursday, December 5 to Sunday, January 6. – Written by Liam Wichser
