Just months ago, Brandon Graham was basking in the glory of a Super Bowl victory, cruising through the streets of Philadelphia on a champions’ parade bus, hoisting the Eagles’ second Lombardi Trophy. Now, after retiring from a storied 15-year career with the team, the beloved defensive end is savoring life off the field with his family and diving into new ventures like Crooked Tea, a hard seltzer iced tea brand he partnered with in May. But don’t think for a second that Graham’s heart has left the game. He’s still watching his Eagles closely, and he’s got a bold prediction: Philadelphia is primed to make another run at Super Bowl glory in 2025.
“I really do feel like they going back again,” Graham declared with unwavering confidence on the latest episode of Gallen of Questions, airing Saturdays at 8 p.m. on PHILLY57 and CBS News Philadelphia. His words carry weight, coming from a two-time Super Bowl champion who’s seen the Eagles at their best and worst over a decade and a half.
A Team Built for a Repeat
Despite losing some key players in the offseason, the Eagles still boast a formidable core that Graham believes is ready for a deep playoff push. Anchored by stars like quarterback Jalen Hurts, right tackle Lane Johnson, and wide receiver A.J. Brown, this team has the talent and tenacity to overcome any challenge. But it’s not just their skill that sets them apart—it’s their leadership.
“You got people that will address something if it really needs to be addressed,” Graham said. “In our business, you’ve got to confront issues head-on, or they’ll creep up at the worst possible moment. We got guys who, if the coach won’t say it, they will.”
Graham knows a thing or two about locker room dynamics. Last season, he found himself at the center of a media storm when he suggested on his SportsRadio 94WIP show that tensions had flared between Hurts and Brown. The comments came after a lackluster passing performance in a win against the Carolina Panthers, where Brown and fellow wideout DeVonta Smith didn’t hide their frustrations. Graham later apologized, and both Hurts and Brown downplayed the drama, insisting their relationship was solid.
“We had to address things that popped up last season,” Graham reflected. “We handled it, moved on, and stayed focused on the goal. That’s what makes this team special—they’ve got the leaders to keep everyone on track.”
Avoiding the Super Bowl Hangover
Winning a Super Bowl is a high that’s hard to top, but it can also breed complacency—a trap Graham calls a “poisonous mindset.” After the Eagles’ first championship in 2017, they stumbled to a 9-7 record in 2018 and fell in the divisional round to the New Orleans Saints. Graham, however, sees a different fire in this 2025 squad.
“I love how Coach [Nick] Sirianni is talking about perfume,” Graham said, referencing Sirianni’s metaphor for success. “It smells great, but don’t drink it—it’s poison. Winning the Super Bowl is amazing, but thinking you’ll do it again without the same grind? That’s dangerous. I think they’ve got the right message to stay hungry.”
The Jalen Hurts Factor
Having played alongside Jalen Hurts for his final five seasons, Graham has a front-row view of what makes the Eagles’ franchise quarterback tick. From his days as a college backup battling adversity to becoming the Super Bowl MVP, Hurts’ journey has been defined by relentless focus and an unyielding work ethic.
“He locks in—really locks in,” Graham said with admiration. “Behind closed doors, you see the consistency. He doesn’t care what people say about him on the field. He just keeps working, letting his game do the talking. That’s Jalen in a nutshell.”
With Hurts leading the charge, a stout offensive line, and playmakers like Brown and Smith, Graham is convinced the Eagles have the pieces to defy the odds and avoid the dreaded Super Bowl hangover.
A Champion’s Faith
Though Graham’s days of delivering bone-rattling sacks and fiery trash talk are behind him, his belief in his former team burns as bright as ever. As he transitions into retirement, he’s not just a fan—he’s a champion who sees championship potential in this Eagles roster.
“Why can’t it be them again?” Graham asked. “They’ve got the talent, the leadership, and the mindset. I’m betting on the Birds.”
As Philadelphia gears up for the 2025 season, Graham’s words are a rallying cry for a city that lives and breathes football. The Eagles may have lost a legend to retirement, but with his faith in their potential, the dream of another Super Bowl parade down Broad Street feels closer than ever.