Brian Dawkins facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Brian Dawkins

Dawkins in 2018
No. 20
Position:	Safety
Personal information
Born:	(1973-10-13) October 13, 1973 (age 51) Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:	209 lb (95 kg)
Career information
High school:	William M. Raines (Jacksonville, Florida)
College:	Clemson (1992–1995)
NFL Draft:	1996 / Round: 2 / Pick: 61
Career history
As player:
Philadelphia Eagles (1996) Denver Broncos (2009)
As administrator:
Philadelphia Eagles (2016) Executive of football operations for player development
Career highlights and awards
5× First-team All-Pro (2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009) 9× Pro Bowl (1999, 2001, 2002, 2004–2006, 2008, 2009, 2011) NFL 2000s All-Decade Team PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team (1996) Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team Philadelphia Eagles No. 20 retired Second-team All-American (1995) First-team All-ACC (1995) 2× Second-team All-ACC (1993, 1994) Super Bowl champion (LII)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 1,147 Sacks: 26.0 Forced fumbles: 36 Fumble recoveries: 19 Passes defended: 153 Interceptions: 37 Defensive touchdowns: 3
Player stats at PFR
Pro Football Hall of Fame

Brian Patrick Dawkins Sr. (born October 13, 1973) is a former American football player. He was a safety for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Most of his career was with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was known by his nickname, "Weapon X".

Dawkins played college football for the Clemson Tigers. The Eagles picked him in the second round of the 1996 NFL draft. For his last three seasons, he played for the Denver Broncos. Many people think Dawkins is one of the best safeties ever. He was a big leader for the Eagles' defense. He was chosen for nine Pro Bowls and five All-Pro first-teams. He also played in one Super Bowl with the Eagles. After playing, Dawkins worked for the Eagles as an executive. He was with the team when they won Super Bowl LII. In 2018, he was put into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

College Football Journey

Brian Dawkins went to Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina. He was a starting free safety for the Clemson Tigers football team for three years. During his college career, he made 247 tackles and caught 11 interceptions.

In 1995, he was named first-team All-ACC. He was also chosen as a second-team All-American. That year, his six interceptions were the most on his team and tied for the most in his conference. In 1996, he was named the first-team strong safety on Clemson's all-centennial team. Later, in 2009, he was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame. Clemson University even created an award in his name in 2013. It's called the Brian Dawkins Lifetime Achievement Award. It honors former Clemson players for their great play, leadership, and community service.

Becoming a Pro Player

The Philadelphia Eagles chose Brian Dawkins in the second round of the 1996 NFL draft. He was the 61st player picked overall. He was the fifth safety chosen that year. The Eagles got this pick because Seth Joyner left their team in 1994.

Starting Strong with the Eagles

Dawkins before a 2007 Eagles game

Dawkins started his first NFL season in 1996. He quickly became the starting free safety for the Eagles. In his second game, he made 11 tackles. Soon after, he made his first career interception against the Atlanta Falcons. He also got his first sack and forced a fumble against the Dallas Cowboys. He ended his rookie year with 75 tackles, three interceptions, and a sack. The Eagles made the playoffs that year.

In 1997, Dawkins continued to play well. He scored his first career touchdown by returning an interception 64 yards. He finished the season with 75 tackles and three interceptions.

By 1999, Dawkins was a key player. He had a great season with six forced fumbles and four interceptions. He was chosen for his first Pro Bowl. This was the first of many Pro Bowl selections for him.

Leading the Eagles' Defense

From 2000 to 2008, Dawkins became a true leader for the Eagles. He was known for his aggressive play and his ability to make big plays.

In 2001, he had a fantastic year. He made 68 tackles, forced two fumbles, and recovered one for a touchdown. He was named to the Pro Bowl again. The Eagles' defense was one of the best in the league. They made it to the NFC Championship Game but lost.

In 2002, Dawkins made history. He became the first player in NFL history to record a sack, an interception, a forced fumble, and catch a touchdown pass in a single game! He was chosen for the Pro Bowl for the third time. The Eagles again reached the NFC Championship Game.

After signing a new contract in 2003, Dawkins faced some injuries. But he came back strong in 2004. He had four interceptions and three sacks. He was selected for the Pro Bowl again. That year, the Eagles made it to Super Bowl XXXIX, but they lost to the New England Patriots. This was Dawkins' only Super Bowl appearance as a player.

Dawkins in 2007

Dawkins continued to be a star in 2005 and 2006. He had many tackles, forced fumbles, and interceptions. He was chosen for the Pro Bowl in both years.

In 2008, Dawkins reached another milestone. He became the tenth player in NFL history to have at least 20 sacks and 20 interceptions in his career. He also broke the Eagles' record for most career games played. He ended his Eagles career with 898 tackles, 34 interceptions, 32 forced fumbles, and 26 sacks. He is one of only two players in NFL history with at least 35 interceptions and 35 forced fumbles.

Moving to the Denver Broncos

In 2009, Brian Dawkins signed with the Denver Broncos. He quickly became a leader for their defense too.

Dawkins in 2009 with the Broncos

In his first year with the Broncos (2009), he had a career-high 116 tackles. He also had two interceptions against legendary quarterback Peyton Manning. He was chosen for the Pro Bowl again, making it his eighth selection.

He continued to play for the Broncos in 2010 and 2011. Even with some injuries, he still made big plays. In 2011, he was chosen for his ninth and final Pro Bowl.

Retirement from Football

On April 23, 2012, Brian Dawkins announced his retirement from the NFL. He wanted to retire while he was still healthy. A few days later, he signed a special one-day contract with the Eagles. This allowed him to officially retire as a Philadelphia Eagle.

The Eagles honored him by retiring his number 20 jersey. This is a very special honor, as only nine players in the team's long history have had their numbers retired.

Hall of Fame and Legacy

On February 4, 2018, Brian Dawkins received the highest honor in football. He was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He joined other football legends like Randy Moss and Ray Lewis. He was officially inducted on August 4, 2018, in Canton, Ohio.

Throughout his career, Dawkins was known as a "ball-hawking" safety. He was the clear leader of the Eagles' defense. His aggressive style earned him the nickname "Weapon X," like the Marvel character Wolverine. Many experts consider him one of the best safeties in NFL history. He also helped mentor younger players on his teams.

Life After Football

Dawkins in 2014

After retiring, Brian Dawkins worked as an NFL analyst for ESPN starting in 2012.

In 2016, he returned to the Eagles organization. He took on a role in their scouting staff. Later, he became the Football Operations Executive, helping with player development. He was part of the Eagles' staff when they won Super Bowl LII in 2018. He left this role in May 2018 to explore other opportunities.

Brian Dawkins was born and grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. He is married to Connie Kerrin. They met in junior high school and started dating in high school. They got married in 1994 and later had a bigger wedding ceremony in 2009. They have four children: Brian Jr., Brionni, and twin daughters Chonni and Cionni. Brian Jr. also played college football at Clemson.

Dawkins is a Christian. He often talks about his faith.

In 2009, an Eagles employee was fired for posting his disappointment about Dawkins leaving the team on Facebook. Dawkins showed his appreciation by giving the employee his two game tickets for the Eagles-Broncos game that year.

His nephew, Dalyn Dawkins, also played football for Colorado State and later in the NFL.

In 2019, a company called Wawa teamed up with Dawkins to create a special sandwich called "The Dawk." It was sold for a limited time in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida.

Achievements and Honors

• 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)
• Member of the "20/20 Club" (20+ sacks and 20+ interceptions)
• First player in NFL history to record a sack, an interception, forced fumble, and touchdown reception in one game.
• 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)
• Member of the Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team
• Member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
• His number 20 jersey is retired by the Philadelphia Eagles.
• Has forced 36 fumbles, the most ever by a safety in NFL history.
• Only player in NFL history with 25+ interceptions (37), forced fumbles (36), and sacks (26).
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
• Super Bowl LII Champion (as an executive with the Eagles).

NFL Career Stats

See also

In Spanish: Brian Dawkins para niños