Philadelphia Eagles DE ‘Needed a Mentor’ to Help Him Find Faith

Published: January 31, 2025

Philadelphia Eagles DE ‘Needed a Mentor’ to Help Him Find Faith

By Movieguide® Contributor

The Philadelphia Eagles have been defensive end Brandon Graham’s NFL home since his draft in 2010, and the entire time, he’s been committed to attending the team’s Wednesday Bible study and pregame chapel services.

“Of my 23 years of being a chaplain, Brandon’s been there for 15,” Pastor Ted Winsley said. “I met Brandon as a young rookie. I met him at a time of his life where he was really desiring to just kind of change his life. I met him at a difficult time — we talk about this often that the first five years after being a first-round pick — they used the ‘b’ word that he was a bust. Of course, he was also injured much of that time, so that was really how I met him.”

Graham continued to return to the Bible studies each week, and he and Winsley grew closer. Eventually, Graham told Winsley about his then-friend, now wife, Carlyne, who quickly joined Graham on his walk of faith.

“I know for me; we care about the men more than the player. And so, I can tell that was him all day,” Graham recalled. “Just getting to know him as a person every day, every week, you know, I’m saying from, since I started, and it’s been cool to see him still be here and be entrusted with leading the guys. I’m just thankful that I didn’t shy away from the relationship, because I know me, and I needed a mentor.”

Winsley recalled a pivotal moment in Graham’s life came when he realized his identity should not be in football but in God.

“Brandon by nature is a joyful person. By nature, he’s a big-hearted person, and by nature he’s a leader. When I met him, I saw that, but the light was dimming,” Winsley remembered.

Graham previously spoke about how after hearing a sermon, he realized he needed God.

“I was listening to a sermon one day and it was like, you don’t want to leave this earth and not know God because that’s eternity. This is so powerful, man. I do not want to leave this earth without knowing God at least, you know, putting forth the effort,” he told the “Faith on the Field” podcast.

“I think what he learned is that while football is an amazing platform, that there’s more to life than this. I think that’s when he began to blossom. I think ultimately, that is what you see with him — he walks around excited about life. Then, football isn’t a job or a chore, it’s an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to bring blessings to people, it’s an opportunity to bring joy to people. It’s an opportunity to connect with people and help people find their purpose with the platform,” the pastor added.

The Eagles face off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, however, Graham has been on the injured reserve list since week 12 due to a torn tricep. There are talks of him being ready to play in the big game, but nothing has been confirmed yet. Regardless of what happens, Graham trusts God.

“We pour everything we can into this game. When I say I trust God, I trust God,” he declared.

“Me being hurt now is just like you get that initial sting because, of course, you still have plans, but then, God laughs at them. That’s how it is. He laughs at them and tells you, ‘I got something way better for you, if you believe it,'” the defensive end said. “And so, I try to stay believing that, trying to make sure that I lean on my warriors, people that I know have been through some things. And they’re going to always lead me to what I know is true, go to God’s word. See what He says. If He says He’s going to protect you and guide you through the storms that you go through, I got to trust that.”

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