Dawkins' energetic style of play was contagious. |
It's been a while since the days that Brian Dawkins was patrolling the middle for the Philadelphia Eagles, knocking out wide receivers, assaulting running backs and making big plays. But today Dawkins decided to hang up the cleats for good and it is honestly a gloomy day for the NFL.
Thinking back on those great Eagles teams in the mid 2000s, who are the most well remembered? Well for one Donovan McNabb, because not only was he a phenomenal talent, he was a walking media circus. Two Brian Westbrook for his ridiculous fantasy value and three, Brian Dawkins because he was simply a monster. Dawkins was a 9-time all-star, 6 time all pro and a member of the NFL All-2000s decade team. But it wasn't Flying Brian stats or accolades that garnered him fame, it was his energetic, feisty and sometimes wild play that led him to be known as the 2000s best strong safety. Dawkins was the consummate leader on defensive, always delivering fiery pre game speeches that weren't always for sensitive ears. But number 20 would back up his talk with a balls-to-wall style of play that was absolutely contagious. He also had a nickname for himself on the football field, and that was "Weapon X" or "Wolverine" as some of us know it. The Eagles long time safety was out of his mind on the football field and that is probably why he will be considered one of the greatest of all-time. He inspired his teammates not only with his choice words, but also with a fearless attitude.
Personally I remember Brian Dawkins for a few things. One, his wild Ray Lewis-like introduction dance, two his visor, which certainly hid some crazy eyes, and three, the "Flying Brian" tackle. I've always been a big fan of his high flying style and his pre game hype. Dawkins played sixteen quality years in the NFL and certainly should go down as one of the greatest safeties of all-time. Today is a sad day for the National Football League to see a pro bowler move on to the football afterlife. I'm sure he'll be accepting a hall-of-fame invitation in five years from now, though I bet that speech won't be as fiery as his pre game ones.
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