Following the June 3 session, Nolan was among the players who spoke at the podium. In an unexpected show of respect, he offered some perspective on one of the gifts given to him by Brandon Graham.

But his legacy lives on in Nolan Smith. Smith, 24, thinks about Graham every day when he looks into the mirror at his house and sees the words “Be You” written down.

PHILADELPHIA -- The impact Brandon Graham had on Nolan Smith's life is tremendous. Graham was like a big brother for Smith in the NFL, someone the edge rusher could look up to.

With Graham retired and Josh Sweat departed, Smith now enters Year 3 as Philadelphia’s unquestioned top edge defender. “The next step in my game personally is just be that pass rusher and keep ...

Nolan Smith is expected to be a greater part of the Eagles' defense in 2025. Nolan Smith is carrying the torch now, but the shoes, he knows he can't fill those. Not Brandon Graham's.