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Deebo Samuel fires back at Eagles' Brandon Graham (yet again) subtly
San Francisco 49ers v Philadelphia Eagles Tim Nwachukwu/GettyImages

Deebo Samuel fires back at Eagles' Brandon Graham (yet again) subtly

Originally posted on Inside the Iggles  |  By Gourab Saha  |  Last updated Jul 2, 2025 10:00 AM ET

The NFL offseason hums like a lazy summer afternoon at the ballpark. Players recharge, fans speculate, and a certain quiet settles in. But true veterans? Legends like Brandon Graham? They operate on a different clock. Retirement hasn't dimmed that Philly fire.

Imagine Larry Bird still jawing from the Celtics bench decades later, for a moment. That competitive spirit never truly fades. For Eagles faithful, Graham's voice was the gritty soundtrack to countless battles. Without it, something feels missing.

Then came Saturday at DeVonta Smith's Celebrity Softball Game. Amidst the crack of bats and Allentown cheers, Brandon Graham found a target: Washington's new star, Deebo Samuel. The retired Eagles legend unleashed a classic BG zinger. "I wouldn't worry about [Samuel]," Graham chuckled to Commanders superfan Janky Rondo.

"He gotta be in shape first. He don’t look like he in shape right now."

Just like that, the familiar Philly defiance echoed again. Graham, forever an Eagle at heart, threw the first punch of the new rivalry chapter. Deebo Samuel, however, chose a different response.

Samuel's Silent Treatment

Words? None were needed. Instead, a video surfaced. It showed Samuel grinding relentlessly on a treadmill, Panthers receiver Xavier Legette alongside him. Sweat poured. Muscles strained. Every powerful stride screamed a silent rebuttal directly at Graham’s offseason dig. This was Samuel letting his work ethic do the talking. But this isn't the first time.

Videos of him doing drills made headlines recently. Consequently, Commanders fans erupted. Their new weapon wasn't just present; he was pushing limits. Graham’s legacy is Philly iron: 15 seasons, 76.5 sacks, and two Super Bowl rings.

His journey mirrors the city’s underdog soul. Now, he would watch Commanders-Eagles clashes from afar. Yet, his vocal defense proves his heart remains on that field. His jab at Samuel instantly reignited the bitter NFC East feud. Moreover, it served the current Eagles squad a potent reminder. Graham embodied a relentless, defiant standard. His trash talk wasn't noise; it was pure, distilled Philly identity.

Brandon Graham: Philly's Vocal Standard-Bearer

Graham set the tone. His verbal shot at Samuel became the headline, proving his unique power to stir the pot. And for the Eagles locker room, this matters immensely.

Graham’s unwavering vocal support is pure gold. It signals the legends who built this thing are still watching. Still invested. Still riding for the team. Therefore, when a young Eagle hears Graham dismiss a rival star, it fuels that same defiant fire. It whispers the Philly creed: Protect the nest.

What does this mean for the Eagles facing Samuel twice a year? Graham handed Washington's emotional engine prime motivation. Samuel's 2024 stats (51 catches, 670 yards), though, weren't flashy. Besides, injuries hampered him in San Francisco. But paired now with Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin?

Graham's comments likely added extra fuel to Samuel's already burning desire to prove himself. "They're getting a motivated Deebo," Samuel declared at his Commanders intro. This workout video?

It was Exhibit A. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio now faces a receiver with a very personal score to settle, courtesy of Graham.


This article first appeared on Inside the Iggles and was syndicated with permission.

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