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Jason Kelce shared a random take on Wednesday about Brandon Graham's decision to come out of retirement. He is supporting his longtime teammate's decision to help Philadelphia's defense in its search for stability.
The two played 13 seasons together before Kelce took retirement after the 2023 campaign. Graham stepped away after the Eagles' 2025 Super Bowl win over the Chiefs.
"I'm just happy that Brandon's doing what he wants to do," Kelce said (36:10), via the "New Heights" podcast. "He wants to continue playing. Yeah, and that opportunity is there. And to be honest, I think the Eagles can use him in multiple ways.
"But at the end of the day, if you still want to play, you got to go play because you don't want to look back in 10 years and be like, 'Man, I really wish I would have done another season. I wish I would have been there with the guys for that following one.' And I don't think anything that happens this year is going to erase the incredible career he's already had."
Graham rejoined the squad on Tuesday after the experienced edge rusher Za'Darius Smith unexpectedly retired, leaving Philadelphia short on pass-rush depths.
Why is Brandon Graham making a comeback?
Brandon is making a comeback because of Za'Darius Smith's sudden retirement after Week 5. Graham holds the franchise record with 206 regular-season appearances. He has 76.5 career sacks and enters his 16th NFL season.
Jason Kelce appreciates Brandon Graham's decision
Despite eliminating his own comeback, Jason Kelce expressed excitement about Brandon Graham's decision to stretch his career.
"He's the most tenured Eagle by far at this point," Kelce said. "I'm just happy that Brandon's doing what he wants to do. He wants to continue playing. Yeah, and that opportunity is there. And to be honest, I think the Eagles can use him in multiple ways."
"But at the end of the day, man, if you still want to play, you got to, you got to go play, because you don't want to look back in 10 years and be like, Man, I really wish I would have done another season. I wish I would have been there with the guys for that following one. And I just, I don't think anything that happens this year is going to erase the incredible career that he's already had to date."
Philadelphia's defensive front has been hit by attrition and injuries this season. Za'Darius Smith announced retirement after just four games, while Josh Sweat and Milton Williams departed in free agency. Nolan Smith Jr. and Ogbo Okoronkwo are both on injured reserve with triceps injuries.
Brandon Graham is expected to take on a rotational role rather than full-time duties. He registered 3.5 sacks in 11 games last season before picking up a triceps tear against the Rams but recovered in time to play in the Super Bowl.
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