Nolan Smith Emerges as Eagles’ Top Pass Rusher

“Be You” became a personal mantra for Nolan Smith, who credits recently retired Philadelphia Eagles legend Brandon Graham for transforming his career and confidence

The words “Be You” stare back at Nolan Smith every morning from his bathroom mirror — a daily reminder of the most important advice he ever received from Philadelphia Eagles legend Brandon Graham. What began as encouragement from a veteran to a struggling rookie has become the foundation of Smith’s rise into the team’s premier pass rusher.

Smith, now 24 and entering his third NFL season, opened up about Graham’s impact during recent comments to reporters. The emotion was evident as he reflected on how the recently retired defensive end helped him navigate the pressures of being a first-round draft pick.

“It was just a learning year,” Smith said of his 2023 rookie campaign. “And, truly, a testament to Brandon Graham. You're about to make me cry up here just because BG gave me so much just from the outside world putting so much pressure on me.”

Drafted 30th overall out of Georgia, Smith had flashed promise in training camp but struggled in limited game action. He registered just one sack in 17 games and played only 16 percent of the Eagles’ defensive snaps during a frustrating first season. While outside criticism mounted, Graham gave him the confidence he needed.

“‘You're a first-round pick, you need to do this, you need to do that.’ BG just told me, ‘Be you,’” Smith said. “And to this point that’s what I got on my mirror, my goals — be you.”

Graham’s mentorship extended beyond a pep talk.

“Nobody can make you be anything other than yourself,” Smith said. “As long as you work and put in that dedication and effort every day — that’s why I work so hard. I just want to be me. And it’s not for me. It’s for B. It’s for B when he was doubted when he first got here, and so was I. He just kept pushing me and leaned into me.”

Using a Southern expression, Smith added: “As we say in the South, he just poured into my glass just a little bit more. He just kept pouring into my glass, and he believed in me.”

That belief hit home coming from Graham, who overcame his own rocky start in Philadelphia. A first-round pick in 2010, Graham battled the “bust” label before emerging as a franchise cornerstone. He retired this offseason after 15 seasons, two Super Bowl titles and a career defined by resilience and positivity.

Smith followed the same path. His sophomore season was a breakout. He emerged as the Eagles’ most productive edge rusher in 2024, finishing with 10½ sacks across the regular season and playoffs. 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 rushing. But be the ultimate player,” Smith said. “I talked to Coach Vic (Fangio), and he always told me play the game the right way. That’s what I always tell myself — ‘Play the game the right way.’ Because I gotta crush the run in order to rush the passer.”

Even in retirement, Graham’s influence lingers. Smith says the two still talk every day, and Graham remains a frequent presence at the team facility. Despite tearing his triceps in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory, Smith is already back at practice, preparing for what could be his best season yet — carrying Graham’s voice with him every step of the way.