Brandon Graham was the hero for the Philadelphia Eagles in their 41-33 win over the New England Patriots last month in Super Bowl LII. His strip-sack of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady during the final moments of the game helped preserve the lead for the Eagles, en route to the team’s first ever Super Bowl win.
He became a hero in his hometown of Detroit when he was presented with the Spirit of Detroit Award by Andre Spivey and the rest of the City Council members.
“Brandon (Graham) is a native son of Detroit and it is an honor for me to present him with this award,” said Spivey. “Not only did he represent himself and his family on the big stage, but the entire city of Detroit as well. And I believe Philadelphia would not have won if it had not been for the sack and fumble by him.”
Graham played at now-closed Detroit Crockett High from 2002-2006 when it was near the Detroit Medical Center. He was the top player in Michigan in 2006 and an Army All-American, becoming the first from the state of Michigan to play in the all-star game for the country’s elite high school football players. At the University of Michigan, Graham made All-American status again and was taken in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Eagles. Accolades have always proceeded Graham during his football career, but the Super Bowl win and Spirit of Detroit Award were a bit more special.
“‘For me, standing up here now accepting this award is an honor and a privilege,” Graham said. “There have been a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to get to this point. I never won a championship growing up all through football, so this one means so much to me. I wouldn’t have gotten here without my support system and it means a lot to stand up here and be honored with this award from the city I was raised in.”
Graham accepted the award at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Building, surrounded by a host of family members, including his wife Carlyne, daughter Emerson, parents, grandparents, and former high school coach at Crockett Rod Oden. Graham was one of Oden’s first player when he began coaching at Crockett in 2004 and they have maintained a close relationship ever since. He was present in Minnesota when Graham and the Eagles hoisted the Super Bowl trophy.
“I am so proud of Brandon and all that he has accomplished in his football endeavors,” said Oden. “I told him to make sure that people remembered his name and he has done that, and more. Of course, people are going to know him for what he did in his No.55 jersey, but what what is more important is things like this, being recognized for your work in your community.”
The Spirit of Detroit Award is typically given to someone for an outstanding achievement or service to the citizens of Detroit. Graham has exemplified just that, through his Team Graham organization, which he started with his wife. It focuses on supporting undeserved youth facing hardships. He holds a football camp for boys and girls every year in Detroit, focusing on team building, healthy eating, and other valuable skills.
“Right now, we are planning for our Team Graham Select 100 camp,” said Graham. “We are trying ti figure out our dates and once we get everything out there, we will get the information out there to the people. I was given a chance to participate in football camps when i was a kid, so it’s important for me to give that right back to my community.”
Graham has lived and played in Philadelphia for eight seasons and plans to take his non-profit work to that area this season. But that will not take away from the work Team Graham does here in Detroit, as they vowed to always keep their programs available to children in the city, free of charge.