Eagles legend Brandon Graham says he’s ‘OTA-ready’, set for spring return

There’s something about turning 30 years of age. Some have said it’s ‘the new 20’. We know that isn’t true. Ask anyone who’s hit the gym after being off for a week or so. They’ll tell you. 30 is the same old 30. It’s hard enough to stay in great shape if you aren’t playing football. How tough of a hill has Philadelphia Eagles legend and defensive end Brandon Graham had to climb as he approaches year 13 in the NFL? It’s no secret that he’s played more seasons than he has left.

B.G. turned 34 years of age on April 3rd, and in the minds of some, that means he’s one strained muscle from being sent to the NFL’s version of the glue factory. It doesn’t help that, the last time he was on the playing field, his day ended much earlier than he would have liked.

He tore his Achilles in Week 2 versus the San Francisco 49ers leaving some to wonder if his career was over, but during a recent appearance on JAKIB Media’s Sports Take with Derrick Gunn, Barrett Brooks & Rob Ellis, the author of the greatest strip-sack in Super Bowl history vowed to be ready for Eagles OTAs (organized team activities), and that’s phenomenal news for the Birds, especially on defense.

Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham looks to turn the clock back in 2022.

30th birthdays for NFL stars are often treated as bad news. They’re seen as being ready for pro football’s version of social security.

Graham’s last full season was widely regarded as his best even though he earned a Second-Team All-Pro designation in 2016. It’s hard not to be happy for him or miss an opportunity to talk about how great he was in year 11 though. A spot on the Pro Bowl roster in 2020 at 32 years of age is nothing to sneeze at.

The encore season didn’t bring the results he wanted, but it sounds like he’s ready to go. Philly gets a leader back on the field and in the locker room if he is. Here’s a quote:

"I’m OTA-ready. We were just talking about that today. I’m going to be doing a lot of the same things with the team. It’s not like what we used to do, doing all the team reps and stuff like that. It’s going to be more individual and then you’re going to have to learn the plays, go through plays, and stuff like that. Nothing that’s really going to tax you too much other than individual drills and stuff like that. That’s what we like doing. We like working on the technique, but I’m back to normal, man. It’s just getting my lungs right."

That’s music to everyone’s ears. Even now, he’s one of the best edge rushers the Philadelphia Eagles employ. Josh Sweat has really come into his own. Philly added Haason Reddick in free agency. They re-signed Derek Barnett and have a young prospect in Tarron Jackson in the fold.

Every time Graham’s frame hits the turf, he’ll be watched closely to see how long it takes him to peel himself off of the turf. That’s to be expected though. He’s never dealt with serious injury before other than the 2011 season, his second on the league, so there’s hope that last year’s season-ender was a fluke.

B.G. sounds confident, and he’s earned the right to prove the doubters wrong in 2022, and that’s the chance he’ll be given beginning with Eagles OTAs later this spring.

Is this the beginning of a decline we often see from guys who play too long or a chance for redemption? We shouldn’t have to wait too long to find out. B.G.’s earned our trust though, so if he says he’s ready to go we believe that he is. Again, it will be great to see the number 55 jersey back on the field and playing football again.