Tim Hauck can be described in one word: Dependable. Hauck always got the job done. Eagles head coach Andy Reid always understood that Hauck was a dependable player who could help the team in a variety of ways.

For instance, need a veteran presence to provide depth in the secondary? How about a special teams ace? Or perhaps, just a positive role model in the locker room?

Hauck brought all those traits to the Eagles.

"Like every coach, Andy would evaluate the team during training camp," Hauck said. "Then he would call and ask me if I could contribute to the team in certain areas. Being an NFL veteran, I really appreciated not going through the physical rigors of training camp because I was able to keep my body fresh for the season."

"I understood my role," said Hauck, who played a total of 14 NFL seasons, including stints with the Patriots, Packers, Broncos, Seahawks, Colts, 49ers, and the Eagles from 1999-02.

S Tim Hauck

Hauck, the starting strong safety back in 1999, understood that Reid was laying the the foundation for something special despite a 5-11 record that season.

"We had a solid defense, and when (QB) Donovan McNabb got his chance to play as a rookie, he made some things happen," Hauck said. "So as a team, we felt we were in much better shape than our record indicated."

Hauck spoke about what he saw in the rookie McNabb: "I knew Donovan would be special, because I played with the Colts when Peyton (Manning) was a rookie. That year (1998) Manning was thrown to the wolves, leading the league in interceptions.

"Both rookies had great size, and a calm pocket presence. And McNabb's ability to elude tacklers as a rookie in practice jumped out at me," Hauck said.

In that same season ('99), Hauck developed a reputation as the man that ended the career of Michael Irvin, Dallas' flamboyant All-Pro receiver. Hauck described what actually occurred on that play -- Oct. 10, 1999 at Veterans Stadium.

"First of all, I think a few Eagles fans put me on a pedestal, because everybody hated the guy. But my intent was never to hurt him," Hauck explained. "I saw him run a slant route, and when I went to tackle him he actually ducked under me and I saw his head go into the turf. I barely got a piece of him. And the league never once fined me for that hit on him.

"That's what separates the NFL from many other leagues. Your career can literally end on any given play."

The following season (2000), the Eagles shocked everybody by reaching the playoffs. According to Hauck, the success that season was defined by two games in which he had a direct impact.

He was called upon to replace All-Pro Brian Dawkins, who was sidelined with an appendectomy for the Sept. 24 game at New Orleans. The Eagles defense never missed a beat with Hauck setting the tone in the second quarter.

"(Saints WR) Joe Horn loves to do a lot of talking during games. And he had a few words for me, so I was hoping to get a good clean shot on him and just shut him up," Hauck said. "So when I saw him go across the middle, I wanted him to pay the price and get a good shot on him.

"He wasn't talking on his cell phone after that play."

The Eagles won the game, 21-7.

Later that season, Hauck made a key onside kick recovery against the host Steelers, which enabled the Eagles to complete a dramatic come-from-behind victory, winning 26-23 in overtime. The Eagles were trailing 23-20 late in the fourth quarter when David Akers delivered the clutch kick:

"As soon as the ball left David's foot I just sprinted across the field and found myself in the right place at the right time, holding onto the ball like it was a piece of gold," Hauck recalled.

And when asked about his most memorable moment while in Philadelphia, Hauck responded without hesitation: "When we beat the Bears at Soldier Field to clinch a berth in the NFC title game (back in 2001) was a special moment, especially forcing a fumble late in the game on the kickoff. (The hit put on Bears KR Autry Denson) helping us seal the 33-19 victory.

"It was also great to play in that NFC title game versus the Rams because as a player those moments don't happen every year."

Currently residing in Missoula, Montana, the 38-year-old Hauck is the secondary coach at the University of Montana, where he once starred as a collegian.

"Being a former player I received instant respect from my players, with them knowing I played the game on the highest stage," Hauck said. "I'm a disciplinarian. But I always tell my players, my door is always open if they need anything.

"I'm similar to Coach Reid in that I don't beat around the bush. I always respected Andy for his straight-forward approach with his players. And I'm trying to adopt the same philosophy."

Last season, the Grizzlies enjoyed great success, advancing to the Division I-AA National Championship game before falling to James Madison University.

"To be able to play on national television was a great thrill for the kids, but the loss hurt," Hauck said. "However, young kids forget in a hurry, and we're looking forward to this season. We started eight true freshmen on defense last season, so our defense is seasoned and should be very good in 2005. We definitely have a chance to reach that big stage again."

And so the playing days of Tim Hauck are officially over...

"I still keep myself in great shape, but physically my body is done playing. Unless it's a Jeff Thomason situation where they need me for just one game -- The Super Bowl...then I probably got one more big hit left in me," laughed Hauck.

Andy Reid has his phone number.