When you think of the most beloved Eagles of all time, there are names that quickly come to mind. Brandon Graham would make most Mount. Rushmore's in that category. Aside from his memorable play on the field, Graham has won the hearts of the passionate fan base with his philanthropy and public appearances.
On Sunday, nearly 500 people were standing outside and inside the new Dick's Sporting Goods in Montgomeryville, PA, anxiously waiting to get a picture and autograph from the two-time Super Bowl champion.
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"I just know how much a duty it is to have a platform and to make sure that you're giving back," Graham said before he started meeting fans.
"They don't normally get to see me all the time. They come and watch the games, but in person, being able to interact, it's a different level. I just want to motivate some of these kids because they're going to be the next up. So, when I'm older, I want to be able to say, man, that boy had a picture with me back then."
Fans lined up early
Fans of all ages arrived well ahead of the noon start time to be one of the first to meet Graham. Two young fans Alex Olson, 11, and Josh Gitler, 13 were two of the first fans in the long line waking up bright and early to get their spot.
"I got here at six 6 a.m.," Olson said with a smile. "It's really cool I get to meet him today. I'm really excited."
For Gitler and his mom Kristen, it was an afternoon to continue their shared bond and love for the Eagles.
"I have been an Eagles fan since the day I was born," Kristen said. "It has been a family tradition for us for generations and to be able to share this with him has just been amazing."
"Getting to meet Brandon Graham is super exciting, Josh said. "He's a two-time Super Bowl champ. Having more opportunities for more people to meet him is good for the fans."
Further down the line Betty Addison, a longtime Eagles fan repping a Kelly Green Graham jersey, met the linebacker at Training Camp when Graham was still playing. An encounter that she will remember forever. She wanted to have a chance to meet one of her favorite players again.
"It was fantastic. My heart was just pounding and I couldn't believe he was looking at me. He gave me a hug and talked to me. He's just very gracious," Addison said.
Addison has admired Graham's career and his hardworking mentality that embodies the city.
"He just showed that he could do it. He worked hard constantly, he gave others hope when others were down," she said. "He just seemed to brighten the spot for people."
Addison added: "Having him on the sidelines, then wanting to comeback from his injury. I was so happy that he came back for that Super Bowl."
Graham a man of the people
During his playing days and certainly since he recently retired, Graham has been out and about in the community helping raise money for various organizations. Earlier in the week, he was at Tailgate in the Park, a charitable event benefiting Dorney Park Cares and the Tech Bodega, serving food to fans at Dorney Park.
"It's more me wanting to show my kids it's about giving instead of taking from this world," Graham said. "I want to make sure that I'm always focused on giving, showing them because everything that I do they are going to emulate, especially my son. I want to let him see me doing great work in the community."
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
