Brian Dawkins facts for kids
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Dawkins in 2018
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| No. 20 | |||||||||||||||
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| Position: | Safety | ||||||||||||||
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| Born: | October 13, 1973 Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | ||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 209 lb (95 kg) | ||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||
| High school: | William M. Raines (Jacksonville, Florida) |
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| College: | Clemson (1992–1995) | ||||||||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1996 / Round: 2 / Pick: 61 | ||||||||||||||
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Pro Football Hall of Fame
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Brian Patrick Dawkins Sr. (born October 13, 1973), known as "Weapon X", is a former professional football player. He played as a safety for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He spent most of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Later, he played for the Denver Broncos.
Many people consider Dawkins one of the best safeties ever. He was a key leader for the Eagles' defense. He was chosen for nine Pro Bowls and five All-Pro teams. He also played in one Super Bowl with the Eagles. After retiring, Dawkins worked for the Eagles as an executive. He was with the team when they won Super Bowl LII. In 2018, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Contents
High School and College Football Journey
Brian Dawkins graduated from William M. Raines High School in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1992. He was a talented athlete, playing both football and basketball. He even helped his basketball team win a championship.
After high school, Dawkins received a scholarship to Clemson University. He became a three-year starter as a free safety for the Clemson Tigers football team. During his college career, he made 247 tackles and 11 interceptions. In 1995, he earned first-team All-ACC honors. He was also named a second-team All-American. Clemson University honored him by creating the Brian Dawkins Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. This award celebrates former Clemson players for their performance, leadership, and community service.
Professional NFL Career
Playing for the Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Brian Dawkins in the second round of the 1996 NFL draft. He was the 61st player chosen overall. Dawkins quickly became a starter for the Eagles.
Early Years (1996–1998)
Dawkins made his NFL debut in 1996. By his second game, he was already a starter. In his fourth game, he made his first career interception. He also recorded his first sack and forced a fumble in his rookie season. He finished his first year with 75 tackles and three interceptions. 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 ended the 1997 season with 75 tackles and three interceptions. In 1998, he had 55 tackles and two interceptions.
Becoming a Star (1999–2002)
In 1999, Dawkins signed a new contract with the Eagles. He had a great season, making 73 tackles, six forced fumbles, and four interceptions. He was selected for his first Pro Bowl.
In 2000, he continued his strong play with 75 tackles and four interceptions. The 2001 season was another standout year. Dawkins had 68 tackles, 14 passes defended, and two interceptions. He also scored a touchdown by recovering a fumble. He was named to the 2002 Pro Bowl. The Eagles made it to the NFC Championship Game that year.
The 2002 season was historic for Dawkins. He became the first player in NFL history to record a sack, an interception, a forced fumble, and a touchdown reception in a single game. He finished the season with 91 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions. He was again selected for the 2003 Pro Bowl.
Later Eagles Career (2003–2008)
In 2003, Dawkins signed a big contract extension. He missed some games due to injuries but still contributed when he played. In 2004, he had 69 tackles and four interceptions. He helped the Eagles reach Super Bowl XXXIX, his only Super Bowl appearance. Although they lost, Dawkins played a key role in their defense.
Dawkins continued to be a top player. In 2005, he had 77 tackles and a career-high 19 passes defended. He was named to the 2006 Pro Bowl. In 2006, he had 93 tackles and four interceptions, earning another 2007 Pro Bowl selection.
In 2008, Dawkins achieved a special milestone. He became the tenth player in NFL history to join the "20/20 club," meaning he had at least 20 sacks and 20 interceptions in his career. He also joined the "30/30 club" for players with at least 30 interceptions and 30 forced fumbles. He and Charles Tillman are the only players with at least 35 of each. Dawkins finished his Eagles career with 898 tackles, 34 interceptions, 32 forced fumbles, and 26 sacks.
Playing for the Denver Broncos
Moving to Denver (2009–2011)
In 2009, Brian Dawkins signed a contract with the Denver Broncos. He quickly became a starter for their defense. In his first season with the Broncos, he had an impressive 116 tackles and two interceptions. He was named to the 2008 Pro Bowl. After the 2009 season, Dawkins was also named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.
In 2010, Dawkins played 11 games, recording 66 tackles and two sacks. He continued to be a strong presence on the field. In 2011, he had 51 tackles and three sacks in 14 games. He was selected for the 2012 Pro Bowl as an injury replacement.
Retirement and Legacy
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 to officially retire as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles honored him by retiring his number 20 jersey. This is a very rare honor, as the Eagles have retired only nine jerseys in their long history.
Hall of Fame Induction
On February 4, 2018, it was announced that Brian Dawkins was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was officially inducted on August 4, 2018, in Canton, Ohio. He was the first former Clemson player to receive this honor.
"Weapon X" and Mentorship
Throughout his career, Dawkins was known for his intense playing style and his ability to make big plays. He earned the nickname "Weapon X," inspired by the Marvel character Wolverine, who is known for being relentless. Dawkins was a strong leader and captain for both the Eagles and the Broncos. Many consider him one of the best safeties in NFL history.
Dawkins also mentored many younger players. He helped teammates like Al Harris, Chris Harris Jr., and Quintin Mikell early in their careers.
Life After Football
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After retiring from playing, Brian Dawkins joined ESPN as an NFL studio analyst in 2012.
In 2016, he returned to the Eagles organization. He first took a role on the team's scouting staff. Later, he was given a new role as Football Operations Executive. In this position, he helped with player development. He was part of the Eagles organization when they won Super Bowl LII in 2018. Dawkins left this role in May 2018 to explore other opportunities.
Personal Life
Brian Dawkins was born and grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. He met his future wife, Connie Kerrin, in junior high school. They started dating in high school and got married in 1994. They later had a wedding ceremony with family and friends in 2009.
Brian and Connie 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 has spoken about how his faith helped him through difficult times. During his Hall of Fame speech, he thanked his faith for guiding him.
In 2019, a company called Wawa and Dawkins teamed up to create a special sandwich called "The Dawk." It was available 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 a single game
- Only player in NFL history with at least 30 interceptions and 30 forced fumbles
- "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 jersey number 20 was retired by the Philadelphia Eagles
- Holds the record for most forced fumbles by a safety in NFL history (36)
- 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)
See also
In Spanish: Brian Dawkins para niños
