Latest news with #BrandonGraham
USA Today
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Brandon Graham reveals an unexpected rising voice in the Eagles locker room
Brandon Graham sees something bold in a rising Eagles voice. They say the name on the front of the jersey is more important than the name on the back. It's a way of life that's truer in football than in basketball. The Philadelphia Eagles are the evidence. Sure, Birds fans will keep an eye on former coaches and players, but there's no abandoning ship when anyone leaves. That's more of an NBA trait. LeBron James fans were Cleveland Cavaliers fans. They followed him to South Beach, back to Cleveland, and now, they're cheering for the Los Angeles Lakers. Can you imagine if such a sin were committed in the City of Brotherly Love? It would never happen. The faces change, but the train keeps on running. Brandon Graham names an heir, one you may not have expected We've learned a great deal while watching one era of Eagles football bleed into another. The game must be respected, and so many of the rules are familiar. Retire, or the game will retire you. Those who are lucky retire on their terms. Fletcher Cox, Jason Kelce, and Brandon Graham did that. They all played for Andy Reid, Chip Kelly, Doug Pederson, and Nick Sirianni. Kelce and Cox retired during the 2024 offseason. Graham called it quits this past March. When legends ride off into the sunset, there are huge shoes to fill. This wasn't any different. Losing three members of 'The Core Four' meant there were huge shoes to fill, both on the field and in the locker room. We may have found the emotional leaders necessary to fill Graham's sizable cleats. We've known Nolan Smith could do so for a while, but during an appearance on Exciting Mics, Graham mentioned another, Moro Ojomo. He's the heir to Graham's trash-talking dynasty. The 15-year legend mentioned another, the usually reserved Jalen Carter, but Carter's endorsement came with a warning label. Per the author of the greatest strip-sack in NFL history, once he gets rolling, it may be hard to reel him back in. NFL Films has captured Graham's legendary trash-talking moments for years, but Philadelphia is undoubtedly in good hands. Nolan Smith has often mentioned Graham as his big brother. Reed Blankenship expressed, during Exciting Mics, that he has already adopted his former teammate's leadership style. Something tells us the next 15 years of Eagles football will be just as exciting as the last 15.
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eagles 12 most intriguing: No. 4 will be best OL in team history − ahead of Kelce, Peters
PHILADELPHIA − Father Time has nothing on Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson. At least not yet. Johnson is 35 years old, entering his 13th season, and has long been considered the top right tackle in the NFL. Here's the scary part − for Eagles opponents:"I'm 35 and I feel like I'm better than when I was 29, 30," Johnson said. "I feel like I'm getting close to maybe my peak. As weird as it is to say, that's truly how I feel." SIRIANNI AND SUPER BOWL: The 'r' word Eagles, Nick Sirianni won't use about the Super Bowl. They use this instead JALEN HURTS RESPECT: 'That's 'B.S.'' Eagles coach rips Jalen Hurts narrative regarding Saquon Barkley, others But that doesn't tell the entire story of Johnson's dominance, and how he will likely go down as the best offensive lineman in Eagles' history. Yes, better than Jason Peters, Jason Kelce and anybody else. That's why Johnson is No. 4 on our list of 12 most intriguing Eagles heading into the start of training camp on July 22. We're counting them down each weekday from No. 12 to No. 1. The series began July 7 and will culminate with the start of camp. There's the longevity factor. Over the past two seasons, franchise icons Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox and Kelce retired. That leaves Johnson, who was the Eagles' first-round pick (No. 4 overall) in 2013, as the longest-tenured Eagle. By far. The next closest to Johnson is kicker Jake Elliott, who was signed in 2017. After that, it's left tackle Jordan Mailata and tight end Dallas Goedert, both drafted in 2018. Incredibly, as dominant as the Eagles' offensive line has been over the last several years, right guard, the position next to Johnson, has been a revolving door. Since 2021, the Eagles have had a different starter there every season. That will be the case this season, too, whether Tyler Steen or Kenyon Green or somebody else wins the job after Mekhi Becton played there last season. "No one ever talks about that − how many guards has he played next to, and has had stellar performances year after year?" Mailata said. "If it wasn't for (offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland) and Lane being able to adapt and be as great as he is, that's the reason why we're able to fill in that position." Johnson isn't close to being done, either. Johnson had his contract extended last spring through the 2027 season, when Johnson will be 37 years old. That would be his 15th season, tying Brandon Graham for the longest tenure in Eagles' history. If Johnson plays in 49 of the 51 games over these next three seasons, he will surpass Graham's franchise record of games played. Graham played in 206; Johnson is at 158. Johnson has missed five games over the last three seasons. Celebrate the Eagles' Super Bowl win with our new book In addition, Johnson has been selected for the Pro Bowl six times, including each of the last three seasons. If Johnson gets one more Pro Bowl nod, he'll tie Peters, Kelce, Brian Dawkins and Reggie White for second most in Eagles history with seven. If Johnson gets two more, he'll tie Chuck Bednarik for first place. And three more will put Johnson alone in the Eagles' record book with nine. All of which is possible, even as Johnson ages into his late 30s. Have you seen Johnson's workouts? There's one video posted on social media in which Johnson is carrying an entire weight set, estimated at 705 pounds, at least 20-30 yards. Johnson, who's listed at 6-foot-6, 325 pounds, does all of it to stay ahead of not only Father Time, but all of the bigger linemen coming into the NFL. The Eagles drafted three linemen last spring − tackles Myles Hinton and Cameron Williams, and center/guard Drew Kendall. Hinton is 6-7, 323; Williams is 6-6, 317; and Kendall is 6-4, 308. That's in addition to Mailata, who's 6-8, 365; and left guard Landon Dickerson, who's 6-6, 332. "They're big," Johnson said about the young players. "Everybody's big. ... They're very smart; they're in tune. They've been a lot of fun so far." Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@ Follow on X @Mfranknfl. Read his coverage of the Eagles' championship season in 'Flying High,' a new hardcover coffee-table book from Delaware Online/The News Journal. Details at This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Lane Johnson: Philadelphia Eagles 12 most intriguing players in 2025
USA Today
21-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
What Eagles fans should know about the Dallas Cowboys before training camp begins
With mid-July fast approaching, we're looking at what Eagles fans should know about the Dallas Cowboys before training camp begins. The Eagles have one of the youngest teams in the NFL after several key departures and the retirement of Brandon Graham during the offseason. Such attrition provides the opportunity for younger players on the roster to assume larger roles while creating another Super Bowl window for a team that'll have new starters at several key defensive positions. Over the next two weeks, we will conduct mini-previews of four NFC East teams as they begin reporting for training camp, with the Giants' rookies set to report a week from Tuesday. Washington is next, with Philadelphia reporting on July 21 and Dallas reporting on July 22. With mid-July fast approaching, we're looking at what Eagles fans should know about the Dallas Cowboys before training camp begins. Cowboys' external free agency additions this offseason: WR | George Pickens -- Acquired in trade with PIT (5/7) OT | Hakeem Adeniji -- Signed with DAL (4/17) G | Saahdiq Charles --Signed with DAL (4/9) QB | Joe Milton III -- Signed in trade with NE (4/3) WR | Parris Campbell --Signed with DAL (3/15) T | Dakoda Shepley -- Signed with DAL (3/14) DE | Dante Fowler Jr. --Signed with DAL (3/14) RB | Miles Sanders --Signed with DAL (3/14) CB | Israel Mukuamu-Signed with DAL (3/13) LB | Kenneth Murray Jr. -- Acquiredin trade with TEN (3/12) LB | Jack Sanborn --Signed with DAL (3/12) CB | Kaiir Elam-- acquired in trade with BUF (3/12) P | Bryan Anger -- Signed with DAL (3/11) DE | Payton Turner -- Signed with DAL (3/11) WR | KaVontae Turpin --Re-signed with DAL (3/11) DT | Solomon Thomas --Signed with DAL (3/13) OL | Robert Jones --Signed with DAL (3/10) RB | Javonte Williams --Signed with DAL (3/10) LS | Trent Sieg --Signed with DAL (3/10) S | Markquese Bell --- Signed with DAL (3/9) S | Juanyeh Thomas --Re-signed with DAL (3/5) DE | Tyrus Wheat --Re-signed with DAL (3/5) G | Brock Hoffman -- Re-signed with DAL (3/4) CB | C.J. Goodwin --Re-signed with DAL (3/4) DT | Osa Odighizuwa -- Signed extension with DAL (3/4) Cowboys' external free agency departures this offseason: RG | Zack Martin Retired/ReleasedDE | Demarcus Lawrence Signed with SEA (3/12)WR | Brandin Cooks Signed with NO (3/21)QB | Trey Lance Signed with LAC (4/2)LB | Eric Kendricks UFACB | Jourdan Lewis Signed with JAX (3/10)QB | Cooper Rush Signed with BAL (3/16)DT | Linval Joseph UFALT | Chuma Edoga Signed with JAX (3/13)RB | Rico Dowdle Signed with CAR (3/12)DE | Chauncey Golston Signed with NYG (3/13)LB | Nick Vigil UFACB | Amani Oruwariye Agreed to terms with TEN (5/13)DT | Carlos Watkins UFADE | Carl Lawson UFA Cowboys key weapons On offense, Dallas will attack opposing defenses with a healthy Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens as its primary weapons, along with Jake Ferguson at tight end, featuring a revamped run game and an improved offensive line. On defense, everything starts with Micah Parsons, the re-signed Osa Odighizuwa, DaRon Bland, and a returning Trevon Diggs. Will the Cowboys' free agency additions pan out? Dallas acquired star wide receiver George Pickens via trade following a quiet free agency period that saw the team add Solomon Thomas (Edge), running back Javonte Williams, running back Miles Sanders, wide receiver Parris Campbell, Robert Jones (OL), Payton Turner (Edge), and linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. among others. How did the Cowboys approach the 2025 NFL draft? The Dallas Cowboys had a total of nine draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Their selections included: Tyler Booker (1st round, 12th overall), Donovan Ezeiruaku (2nd round, 44th overall), Shavon Revel Jr. (3rd round, 76th overall), Jaydon Blue (5th round, 149th overall), Shemar James (5th round, 152nd overall), Ajani Cornelius (6th round, 204th overall), Jay Toia (7th round, 217th overall), Phil Mafah (7th round, 239th overall), and Tommy Akingbesote (7th round, 247th overall). Booker and Ezeiruaka expect to be immediate contributors, while Jaydon Blue could be a breakout candidate at running back. When does the Dallas Cowboys start training camp? The NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys are headed back to Oxnard, California, for training camp from July 22 through August 13. This year's camp will mark the 46th year the team has trained in Southern California and the 19th consecutive season they have spent at the Oxnard location. It's also the first training camp for Brian Schottenheimer as the team's head coach – before replacing Mike McCarthy, Schottenheimer was the offensive coordinator for two seasons. The practices include three preseason games, the first of which is against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on August 9.
USA Today
21-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
10 biggest questions facing the Eagles ahead of training camp
Who'll replace Brandon Graham's leadership is among the ten biggest questions for the Philadelphia Eagles as the team gets set to report for training camp The Eagles are one week away from returning to the NovaCare Complex for an intense training camp, and the vibe is entirely different after winning Super Bowl 59. Philadelphia returns just about every key contributor on offense, but will look to replace Kenneth Gainwell (Steelers) and Mekhi Becton (Chargers). On defense, Vic Fangio's unit will look to replace seven key starters or contributors, including the legendary Brandon Graham, as well as critical veterans like Josh Sweat, Darius Slay, Milton Williams, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. With the first practice scheduled for July 23, we're looking at the ten biggest questions for the Eagles ahead of training camp. Can Kevin Patullo keep the machine running In his one season with the Eagles, Moore led an explosive Philadelphia offense, which included Saquon Barkley becoming the ninth 2,000-yard rusher in NFL history. Last season, Philadelphia finished eighth in total yards, seventh in points, and second in rushing yards, but it had a league-low in passing attempts. Patullo enters as Jalen Hurts' fourth offensive coordinator under Nick Sirianni and fifth if you include his rookie season spent with Doug Pederson and Press Taylor. Patullo has served as the team's passing game coordinator since 2021 and was appointed associate head coach in 2023. Patullo's inheriting an offense with a 2000-yard rusher, an All-Pro wide receiver, a No. 2 wide receiver with All-Pro talent, and a dynamic tight end. The run-pass ratio can be adjusted somewhat, but this Ferrari needs to be treated with precision and maintained accordingly. Who will assume the leadership role without Brandon Graham One year after Fletcher Cox and Jason Kelce retired, Brandon Graham walked away as the longest-tenured and most successful Eagles in franchise history. With three legends now departed, who assumes the leadership role? Nolan Smith enters year three with traits and work ethic similar to Graham's and could take the role, along with All-Pro Jalen Carter and Zack Baun. Will Dallas Goedert finally have a 1,000-yard season? Goedert reworked his deal and will return to the Eagles looking to post his first 1,000-yard season. Last season, Goedert played in 10 games, logging 42 receptions for 496 yards, averaging 11.8 yards per catch, and two scores. Goedert has missed 15 games since the start of the 2022 season and has only played a full slate of games once. Can Jordan Davis break out? The Eagles have yet to decide on Davis's fifth-year option, which would cost the franchise $12.9 million. Davis logged 27 tackles (15 solo), one sack, and two passes defended while playing in all 17 regular-season games in 2024. He added six tackles (four solo), including two sacks and one pass defense, across four playoff appearances. Davis started every regular-season game for the second year in a row, but he logged 122 fewer defensive snaps and ceded snaps to second-year defensive lineman Moro Ojomo. Philadelphia targeting Walter Nolen or Darius Alexander could spell doom for Davis. Will Kelee Ringo be a starter? Ringo has worked to become a starter or key contributor and should have the first opportunity to replace Darius Slay in the lineup. He possesses length, physicality, and speed, standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 207 pounds. Who will replace C.J. Gardner-Johnson? Pressure bust pipes, and one year after returning to the field following ACL surgery, Sydney Brown could be tasked with replacing Gardner-Johnson's physicality and big-play attributes. Andrew Mukuba was selected in the second round, but he's yet to sign his four-year rookie deal. Tristin McCollum and Andre Sam offer added depth. Will Saquon Barkley be on a pitch count? Barkley led the league with a franchise record of 2,005 rushing yards, making him the ninth player in NFL history to post 2,000+ rushing yards in a season. Overall, Barkley logged the 8th-most rushing yards in league history. After 345 carries in 2024, Barkley is expected to be light work up until Week 1. Still, AJ Dillon or Will Shipley could see an increase in snaps early on. Who'll replace the departed free agents? During the first wave of free agency, Philadelphia saw Josh Sweat (Cardinals), Milton Williams (Patriots), Kenneth Gainwell (Steelers), Mekhi Becton (Chargers), Isaiah Rodgers (Vikings), Fred Johnson (Jaguars), Parris Campbell (Cowboys), Darius Slay (Steelers) and Oren Burks (Bengals) all depart. Still, they rebounded to make several key signings, including A.J. Dillon (RB), Joshua Uche (LB), Adoree' Jackson (CB), Charley Hughlett (LS), Patrick Johnson (LB), Avery Williams (KR/PR), Matt Pryor (OL) Kylen Granson (TE), and Azeez Ojulari (OLB) to name a few. Kelee Ringo, Jalyx Hunt, Moro Ojomo, Will Shipley, AJ Dillon, and Terrace Marshall could all have key roles. At the same time, rookies Jihaad Campbell and Andrew Mukuba are expected to hit the ground running. Will Nakobe Dean be available? Dean is recovering from a knee injury he suffered during the playoffs last season. While some wonder if he'll be available in 2025, the former Georgia All-American could be ahead of schedule. Depending on the extent of the injury, reports suggested it could take nine months to start running and 12 months for sports," Dr. Dinesh Dhanaraj, the chief of orthopedic surgery at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, told the Philly Voice in January. A former third-round pick, Dean was elite in his first full season as a starter, finishing second on the team in tackles (128) while also producing three sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. Will Jahan Dotson have a breakout season? The Eagles acquired Jahan Dotson from the Commanders nearly a year ago, and he'll need to produce if he wants a long-term contract. Dotson took time developing a rapport with quarterback Jalen Hurts and only accounted for 19 catches for 216 yards -- despite playing 674 snaps in the regular season. Dotson was reliable in the postseason, logging three catches for 53 yards and a touchdown. Dotson and Hurts spent most of the off-season working out together, and he'll look for a big breakout season. Bonus: Can Tyler Steen lockdown the right guard spot? Steen, 24, was a third-round choice (65th overall) out of Alabama back in 2023 and has played in 28 games with three starts. Steen was better when called upon in his second season. He started two games in the regular season and started at left guard in the NFC Championship Game win over the Commanders. Steen (6-6, 321) performed well at times in 2024, but he was one of the worst graded guards according to Pro Football Focus. Among the 77 qualified guards in the NFL last season, Steen ranked 75th. For some point of reference, only his new teammate and competition at right guard, Kenyon Green, was worse. Green was 76th, Matt Pryor was 21st in Chicago, and Becton was 20th. The Eagles saw four free agents depart on offense, including right guard Mekhi Becton, who signed a two-year deal worth as much as $20 million with the Los Angeles Chargers. That opened the door for Steen to win the starting job for the first time since the Eagles drafted him in the third round in 2023.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lane Johnson: I still feel young in heart, but you can't ignore Father Time
With Brandon Graham's retirement after Philadelphia won Super Bowl LIX, Lane Johnson is now the Eagles' elder statesman. Entering his 13th season, the two-time, first-team All-Pro offensive tackle is still under contract through 2027. If he plays that long, it would put him in a tie with Graham as the longest-tenured player in franchise history. Advertisement "Yeah, if there's anybody to end a tie with, it would be BG. It's crazy that we had a number of guys who all stayed together for all these years," Johnson said in an interview with NFL Network's Good Morning Football this week. "Yeah, it doesn't feel like [season] No. 13, but here it is. 'I still feel young in heart, but you can't ignore Father Time. I'm still having fun and enjoying what I do. I love being around the guys, competing and it's just something that I really love doing every minute of it.' The No. 4 overall pick of the 2013 draft, Johnson has started 158 games and won a pair of Super Bowls with the Eagles over his long career.
