Eagles host Cowboys Sept 4, 2025, for Super Bowl LIX banner night & Week 1! Brandon Graham retires. Get details on the epic season opener & roster moves.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Eagles fans, mark your calendars and get ready for an absolutely electric start to the 2025 season! News dropped today that the Birds will raise their Super Bowl LIX banner on Thursday, September 4th, in a prime-time Week 1 showdown against none other than the Dallas Cowboys. But the excitement of the schedule release was just one part of a massive news day that also saw significant roster changes, including the departure of a key free agent signing and the official retirement of a franchise legend.
Brandon Graham, a franchise icon, spent 15 seasons with the Eagles and is best remembered for his game-changing strip-sack of Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII.
Get ready for an unforgettable night at Lincoln Financial Field! The NFL announced today, June 2, 2025, that our Philadelphia Eagles will open their Super Bowl title defense at home against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, September 4th. This prime-time clash isn't just any season opener; it's the first Eagles-Cowboys Week 1 meeting since 2000, and it will feature the raising of the Super Bowl LIX banner. The atmosphere will be absolutely insane as the Birds begin their quest for back-to-back championships against their fiercest rivals. Talk about starting the season with a bang!
While we celebrate the future, today also marked the official end of an era for a true Eagles legend. Longtime defensive end Brandon Graham was officially placed on the reserve/retired list. BG, a cornerstone of this franchise for 15 incredible seasons, leaves behind a legacy cemented by his strip-sack of Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII – a play that will live forever in Eagles lore. Offensive guard Marcus Tate also hung up his cleats today. While Graham had hinted at retirement, he did leave the door slightly ajar for a potential return if the team faces depth issues. For now, we salute one of the all-time greats. Thank you, BG!
The defensive front saw further changes as the Eagles finalized a trade sending pass rusher Bryce Huff to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a mid-round draft pick. Huff's tenure in Philadelphia was unfortunately brief and hampered by injuries. After signing a significant three-year, $51 million contract in 2024, he played in only 12 games, recording 2.5 sacks and 13 tackles, and was inactive for Super Bowl LIX due to wrist surgery. This move signals the team's intent to continue reshaping the defense as they look to build on last season's championship run.
On a brighter note, the accolades keep rolling in for our superstar running back! It was announced today that Saquon Barkley will be the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26. This incredible honor comes after Barkley's historic offensive season that was instrumental in bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Philly. Seeing an Eagle on the Madden cover is always special, and it's a testament to Saquon's dominance and impact on the league. Congratulations, Saquon!
Amidst all the major announcements, the Eagles continued their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) today. As discussed on the Birds 365 show, the team is hard at work integrating new free agents and draft picks. Coaches are reportedly emphasizing defensive consistency, an area targeted for improvement after last season's journey. These offseason workouts are crucial for building chemistry and laying the groundwork for another successful campaign.
What a Monday in June! From the electrifying news of a Super Bowl banner raising against Dallas to the bittersweet retirement of a legend like Brandon Graham, and the continued rise of Saquon Barkley, it's clear the Eagles are navigating a period of exciting transition and immense anticipation. The 2025 season can't come soon enough!
