“It’s that Tom Brady moment�? Brandon Graham credits Tom Brady for saving his Eagles career after years of fan backlash

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 11, 2025, 20:31 IST

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Brandon Graham’s legendary strip-sack on Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII marked a turning point in his NFL career. Once doubted by Eagles fans, he transformed criticism into triumph, becoming a symbol of Philadelphia toughness. This article explores how that iconic play helped Graham earn respect, reshape his legacy, and secure his place as an Eagles icon in NFL history.

“It’s that Tom Brady moment�? Brandon Graham credits Tom Brady for saving his Eagles career after years of fan backlash

Tom Brady and Brandon Graham (via: Getty Images)

Brandon Graham’s unforgettable sack on Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII was more than just a big play, it changed everything. For years, he faced doubt from Philly fans, but that one moment turned him into a hometown hero. Now, Graham proudly calls it “that Tom Brady moment”—the play that helped bring the Eagles their first Super Bowl win and rewrote his story for good. Here's how it all came together.

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For Brandon Graham, it wasn’t just a sack, it was the sack. A moment frozen in time, replayed in highlight reels, and forever etched in Philadelphia sports history. Super Bowl LII brought plenty of fireworks, but none more explosive than when Graham broke through the Patriots�?line and stripped the ball from Tom Brady. That play didn’t just win a game, it won over a city.

“It’s that Tom Brady moment,�?Graham admitted years later, smiling at the memory. And for good reason. That single play turned years of frustration, doubt, and criticism into validation. It wasn’t just about beating the Patriots, it was about proving to Philly that he belonged.
Graham’s journey to that moment wasn’t easy. Drafted 13th overall in 2010, he faced an uphill climb almost immediately. Fans were quick to remind him he wasn’t Earl Thomas, who went one pick later. Injuries, role changes, and relentless scrutiny followed. But Graham never stopped grinding. He took special teams reps, embraced every challenge, and earned his stripes the hard way.
In that moment, Graham didn’t just sack the greatest quarterback of all time, he sacked every doubt that had ever followed him.

Brandon Graham’s journey from doubted rookie to Eagles icon

Years later, ahead of a 2024 Eagles-Steelers matchup, Graham playfully mimicked the sack in front of Brady during pregame warmups. Brady, ever the competitor, laughed and returned the gesture. “It couldn’t have happened to a better guy,�?/span> Brady told him, a nod of respect from one legend to another.
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But Graham’s career is more than one unforgettable play. It’s a story of resilience, evolution, and relentless work ethic. From a young player struggling to meet expectations to a team leader with over a decade of service, he became the embodiment of Philly toughness.
That strip-sack may be the headline, but the real story is how Brandon Graham turned a moment into a movement and earned his place as a true Eagles icon.

About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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