Brandon Graham on Retirement, Rookie Jason Stories, Art of Trash Talking & The Brady Sack | EP 133
Digest
This podcast features an extensive interview with former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Brandon Graham, covering his emotional retirement, his family's reaction, and his future plans, including a new children's book. He reflects on the Eagles' 2024 season expectations, praises Jalen Hurts, and discusses team culture and leadership. Graham shares anecdotes from his career, including his experience in the 2010 NFL draft, his relationship with Jason Kelce, and his renowned trash-talking style. The interview concludes with a rapid-fire Q&A. The podcast also includes listener golf advice, a discussion of the NFL's new Sony Hawkeye first-down measurement system (raising concerns about accuracy and sponsorship influence), and an update on a March Madness bracket challenge. The episode begins and ends with sponsor mentions. Graham also addresses false claims about his community involvement.
Outlines

Introduction, Sponsors, and Brandon Graham's Career Overview
The episode starts with sponsor ads and introduces Brandon Graham's impressive NFL career, his defensive style, and his new children's book, addressing false claims about his community work.

Brandon Graham's Retirement and Family
Graham discusses his emotional retirement announcement, his family's reaction, and his future plans, including his children's activities and his new children's book.

Eagles' 2024 Season and Team Dynamics
Graham discusses the Eagles' expectations for the 2024 season, reflecting on the previous year's challenges and the team's improved dynamics under new coaching.

Eagles Offense and Jalen Hurts
Graham shares his perspective on the Eagles' offense, particularly praising Jalen Hurts' performance and work ethic.

Leadership, Team Culture, and Veteran Mentorship
Graham discusses the importance of team culture and leadership, reflecting on his role as a veteran player and mentor to younger teammates.

Career Anecdotes and Observations
Graham shares various anecdotes from his career, including experiences with plane seating arrangements and interactions with coaches and teammates.

NFL Draft, Early Career Challenges, and Initial Eagles Experiences
Graham discusses his experience in the 2010 NFL draft, his initial meeting with Eagles coaches, and his early career challenges.

Relationships with Teammates (Kelce, etc.) and Team Camaraderie
Graham shares stories and insights about his relationship with Jason Kelce and other teammates, highlighting their camaraderie and impact on the team's culture.

Trash Talking, Competition, and Game Strategy
Graham discusses his trash-talking style, explaining its origins and impact on his game and interactions with opponents.

Rapid Fire Q&A and Conclusion
The interview concludes with a rapid-fire Q&A session, covering various topics from favorite teammates to favorite Super Bowl memories. Followed by listener golf advice and discussion of the new NFL first-down system.

Listener Golf Advice and March Madness Update
Listener golf advice is given, emphasizing practice and key clubs. The podcast concludes with an update on the hosts' March Madness bracket challenge.
Keywords
Philadelphia Eagles
Professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; member of the NFC East.
Brandon Graham
Former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker; known for trash-talking and strong performance.
NFL Retirement
Process of a player leaving professional American football; often involves emotional goodbyes.
Super Bowl
Annual championship game of the NFL.
Trash Talking
Competitive tactic in sports where players verbally taunt opponents.
Team Culture
Shared values, beliefs, and behaviors within a sports team.
Jalen Hurts
Current quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.
NFL Draft
Annual event where NFL teams select college players.
Sony Hawkeye
New NFL first-down measurement system using camera technology.
Practice with Purpose (P&P)
Method of practicing a skill by focusing on specific areas and frequently used tools.
Q&A
What was the most emotional moment of your retirement?
Seeing everyone's reaction to his announcement.
How did your family react to your retirement?
His wife encouraged him to prepare notes, and his kids were supportive.
What is your trash-talking style?
Strategic, incorporating knowledge of opponents, aiming to be funny but serious.
What's your favorite Super Bowl memory?
Super Bowl LII (2017) due to the game-changing strip-sack of Tom Brady.
Who was the toughest quarterback you played against?
Cam Newton.
What advice would you give to young NFL players?
Keep your head on a swivel, work hard, and voice your opinions.
How can I help my child become a better golfer?
Focus on practice with purpose (P&P), concentrating on mastering the driver, putter, and wedges.
How does the NFL's new Sony Hawkeye first-down measurement system work?
Uses multiple cameras to track the ball's trajectory in 3D.
What are your thoughts on the change from the chain gang to the Sony Hawkeye system?
Concerns about impartiality due to sponsorship branding; misses the traditional chain gang.
Show Notes
92%ers welcome back to another episode of New Heights! Once again brought to you by the HBO Original series The Last of Us premiering Sunday at 9 PM on Max!
Today we are joined by Eagles legend Brandon Graham!
Brandon and the guys get into everything from his emotional retirement announcement, his relationship with Philadelphia fans, the one play he would ban in the NFL, and his new children’s book.
We also get into his relationship with Andy Reid, his favorite Jason Kelce rookie stories, how much research goes into his trash-talking, if he can remember all the QBs he’s sacked, and how often he’s asked about his iconic Super Bowl sack of Tom Brady.
After the Brandon Graham convo, Jason and Travis offer the best golf advice that two football players can offer and we dive into a chain gang conspiracy theory.
Check out BG’s ABCs on Amazon: https://a.co/d/5Qk650y
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