Eagles Legend Brian Dawkins Is A Certified Hall Of Famer

GatorC4 / Flickr

NFL

 

Eagles Legend Brian Dawkins Is A Certified Hall Of Famer

 

When you think of a professional athlete, you search for someone who epitomizes passion, dedication, resilience, and integrity. Brian embodies all of that in one swoop and more.

Brian was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida and stared at William Rainey High School.  Dawkins graduated in 1992. Dawkins attended Clemson University. A three-year starter at free safety for the Clemson Tigers football team, he finished his career with 247 tackles and 11 interceptions.

Brian received first-team All-ACC Honors in 1995 and was selected by the Associated Press and Sporting News as a second-team All-American as a senior when his team-high six interceptions tied him for the conference lead. Dawkins was named the first-team strong safety on Clemson’s all-centennial team in 1996 and was selected to their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.

The Legend Continues

In 2013, Clemson University established the Brian Dawkins Lifetime Achievement Award to annually honor a former Clemson player for their performance on the field, contributions in leadership and community service.

Mr. Dawkins was drafted in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. As a rookie in 1996, he replaced Eric Zomalt as the starting free safety, remaining in that position throughout his 13-year career in Philadelphia.

Brian made his first of nine Pro Bowls in 1999, earning a reputation as a hard-hitting ball hawk with the nickname “Weapon X,” a codename of Marvel character Wolverine. He’s also known as “B Dawk” for his relentless aggression and passion on the field.

“B Dawk” led the Eagles defense to five NFC East Championships (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006). He was the heartbeat of that Philly team on and off the field.

 

Brian’s List Of Awards And Accolades

• 9× Pro Bowl (1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011)
• 5× First-team All-Pro (2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009) 
• Second-team All-Pro (1999)
• 20/20 Club
• The first player in NFL history to record a sack, an interception, forced fumble, and touchdown reception in a single game
• The first player in NFL history to record at least 30 interceptions and 30 forced fumbles in a career.
• “Whizzer” White NFL Man of the Year (2008)
• Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team
• NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
• Philadelphia Eagles No. 20 retired
• Has forced 36 fumbles, the most ever by a safety in NFL history
• The only player in NFL history with 25+ interceptions (37), forced fumbles (36) and sacks (26)
• Pro Football Hall of Fame 2018 inductee

 

 

Weapon X And His Impact

As a young aspiring football player, I loved all levels of football. I’ve studied college football and pro football for years, thanks in part to my family who shared their love of the game with me. Saturdays in our house consisted of my grandmother going down the list of televised college football games. My friends and I would play College Football USA 96 on Sega Genesis for hours.

The Eagles were coming off of a horrendous season. Coach Ray Rhoades had a good nucleus but was missing a piece for their safety position. Brian had a first or second round grade for the draft.

Heading into the 1996 NFL Draft, I prayed for the Eagles to draft Brian out of Clemson, as he was a guy that I loved already. To see the player and person that he would become is one of the best things in life itself. I couldn’t be more proud of my favorite player.

Brian being honored amongst the greats is icing on the cake.

Thank you, Mr. Brian Dawkins for giving a young kid in Pennsylvania so much inspiration to succeed and to give everything you have to your craft.

We are truly blessed to witness your entire journey.

Your love and commitment is shown through young men and women for future generations to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social Media

You can now follow us on Twitter!

@T101Sports and also @T101SportsNFL

Follow me, the writer:

@johnmonroejr