After some time apart in 2024, Patrick Johnson returned to Philadelphia on Thursday to sign his one-year contract with the Eagles.
"Just knowing that this would probably be my best opportunity to really make a huge impact in my own career and also for the team. So, just looking forward to coming back, and it was a pretty easy transition just knowing that I'm loved here by a lot of people," Johnson said from the NovaCare Complex.
After Johnson was drafted in the seventh round of the 2021 draft, he played in 49 regular-season and five playoff games, accumulating 20 tackles, one for loss, three QB hits, and 11 QB pressures. He also authored 15 special teams tackles.
In 2024, he played in 12 games for the Giants, mainly on special teams.
In that time away from Philadelphia, Johnson learned more about himself as a player and person.
"I would say, just maturing, realizing and really looking in depth of where I need to improve at as a player and what I can bring to the table moving forward that doesn't allow me to be put back in that position," Johnson said in reference to being waived before Week 2.
"That's another reason why I came back here because I knew the coaches and stuff here could help me improve as a player and get me back to where I know I can make a huge impact."
The outside linebacker got a taste of what it was like to play in Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio's defense during Training Camp and the preseason in 2024, forcing a fumble and recovery late in the fourth quarter against Baltimore. The forced turnover put the Eagles in position to kick a game-winning field goal by Jake Elliott.
Like the rest of the Eagles defense, Johnson is looking forward to one thing in particular playing in Fangio's scheme again.
"I'm just looking forward to getting after the quarterback again," Johnson said.
"I love his (Fangio's) scheme. I was very comfortable in it. I was picking it up very well. Felt like I was playing well in the preseason and even after Week 1. So, this coming up here, I'm just looking forward to improving on my game and bringing more to the table for his defense and also for the team."
Who got Johnson the most excited about coming back to play in this defense?
Two young players that were on the rise in 2024.
"It started with three (Nolan Smith) and 58 (Jalyx Hunt). Obviously, those are the two coming back. I can go on and on about the guys here, but the guys in my room, those two young bucks, they make it a lot of fun. Hopefully I can bring that maturity and being the veteran back in the room and stuff now, which is kind of weird. But hopefully I can bring that to the table for them and also on special teams," Johnson said.
He saw the start of a Super Bowl journey from the summer into the first game with the Eagles in 2024, but now Johnson will look to help the Eagles defend their World Championship.
"It's always a big thing, coming off of a Super Bowl, and wanting to be part of a team like that. Obviously, I already played a little bit of a part in that this past season with the team. And knowing what it takes and knowing that I can come in and understand what the culture is here and keep that going on throughout the young guys," Johnson said. – Written by Liam Wichser
A two-time Super Bowl Champion. A two-time Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee. The only Eagle to play in more than 200 regular-season games. Third-most sacks in franchise history. The team's first-round pick in 2010, Brandon Graham, announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday. View the best photos from his career.
Brandon Graham's rookie portrait session
Brandon Graham at his introductory press conference in 2010
Brandon Graham at his introductory press conference in 2010
Brandon Graham's first NFL headshot in 2010
Brandon Graham (54) comes out of the tunnel with QB Michael Vick for his first NFL game in 2010 against the Green Bay Packers.
Brandon Graham in his first NFL game against the Green Bay Packers
Brandon Graham and the Eagles beat the Colts in overtime in Week 2 of the 2014 season. It was BG's 50th career regular-season game.
Brandon Graham on the sidelines in Los Angeles as the Eagles played the Chargers in BG's 100th career regular-season game in 2017
Brandon Graham against the Chargers in 2017 which was his 100th regular-season game.
Brandon Graham celebrates the 2020 win over the Giants in his 150th regular-season game.
Brandon Graham celebrates the 2020 win over the Giants in what was his 150th regular-season game.
In his 199th regular-season game, Brandon Graham came up with a sack against the Buccaneers.
Of course, the greatest play in Brandon Graham's career wasn't one of the regular-season
Meet the Grahams.
Brandon Graham celebrates with the fans.
Brandon Graham's captain portrait at Super Bowl LVII in Arizona.
Brandon Graham celebrates the Super Bowl LII win.
Brandon Graham is on the stage at Lincoln Financial Field following the 2022 NFC Championship win.
Brandon Graham helps take down Tony Romo in Dallas.
A cheerful Brandon Graham celebrates the Week 3 win over New Orleans.
Brandon Graham strip-sacks former Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz.
Brandon Graham eyes Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.
Brandon Graham exits the tunnel at Lincoln Financial Field.
Brandon Graham takes down Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Brandon Graham takes down 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Brandon Graham goes on the offensive against the Raiders.
Brandon Graham helps seal the win over the Rams.
Brandon Graham on the hunt
Brandon Graham eyes his prey.
Brandon Graham is a force in the run game as well.
Brandon Graham holds up his helmet.
Brandon Graham was the only Eagle around for the 2010 Kelly Green AND the 2023 Kelly Green throwback uniforms.
You know there was some trash-talking from BG after this play.
Brandon Graham in action against the Cowboys
Brandon Graham is a fan favorite.
Brandon Graham is still bringing the heat in his franchise-record 15th season.
Brandon Graham in a serious moment before the game
Brandon Graham on the sidelines for the national anthem
Brandon Graham makes life miserable for the Giants.
Brandon Graham celebrates the sack.
The Graham's
BG after signing his contract in the 2024 offseason
Two-time Eagles nominee for Walter Payton Man of the Year
Still dominating in Year 15
Super Bowl LIX celebration
Champions once again!
Parade x2
BG recovered just in time for his torn triceps to play in the Super Bowl
2x World Champion
A storybook ending for BG
Hanging up the cleats
Champions
Family
Going out a champion
Retirement press conference
One final time at the podium as a player
Addressing the media with his two trophies
Fletcher Cox and Lane Johnson came to support BG
BG and his kids, Emerson and Bryson overlooking the practice field at the NovaCare Complex
BG and Rocky
The Graham's
A special moment for a special career
BG gving Rocky the cleats
BG applauded by NovaCare Complex staff
Jalen Hurts, his fiancé Bry Burrows, Carlyne and Brandon Graham
