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BIOGRAPHY

Brian Dawkins

Brian Dawkins

Safety

Eagles Career: 1996-2008 | Eagles Hall of Fame Induction: 2012 | Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 2018

Nicknamed "Weapon X" for his ferocious and energetic style of play, Dawkins was the unquestioned leader of the Eagles defense for 13 seasons. An eighttime Pro Bowler, Dawkins finished his Eagles career in 2008 as the franchise's all-time leader in games played (183) and interceptions (34). A second round pick out of Clemson in 1996, Dawkins was recognized as a member of the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2000s, was voted the starting safety on the Eagles 75th Anniversary Team by the fans and was a five-time All-Pro selection. A self-proclaimed "free-lance safety", he helped redefine the safety position, notching 26 sacks and 37 forced fumbles in his career, becoming one of five players in NFL history to record at least 30 interceptions and 20 sacks in a career. He was born on October 3, 1973 in Jacksonville, FL.

YEAR-BY-YEAR

1996: A second-round pick from Clemson, Dawkins played in 14 games as a rookie, finishing with three interceptions, 74 tackles and a sack.

1997: Dawkins had three interceptions again, including returning one for a touchdown.

1998: Dawkins started 14 games and registered two interceptions, one sack and 56 tackles.

1999: Making his first Pro Bowl, Dawkins had a career-high-tying four interceptions and six forced fumbles.

2000: Dawkins had four interceptions in 13 games, adding two sacks and 72 tackles.

2001: Dawkins made it back to the Pro Bowl with 70 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. He also earned first-team All-Pro honors.

2002: Dawkins had one of the best seasons of his career with five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, two interceptions and 95 total tackles. He finished third in AP Defensive Player of the Year voting and was named first-team All-Pro.

2003: In seven games, Dawkins had 35 tackles and an interception.

2004: Helping the Eagles reach the Super Bowl, Dawkins was named first-team All-Pro with four interceptions, three sacks and two forced fumbles.

2005: Dawkins made the Pro Bowl again, starting all 16 games and posting a career-high 3.5 sacks, three interceptions and four forced fumbles.

2006: Dawkins made his final first-team All-Pro with four interceptions and 98 tackles.

2007: Dawkins played in 10 games and had one interception and 37 tackles.

2008: In his final season with the Eagles, the 35-year-old Dawkins started all 16 games and made the Pro Bowl. He had six forced fumbles, three sacks and one interception.

  • Pro Football Hall of Famer
  • 9-time Pro Bowler (7 with Eagles)
  • 5-time All-Pro (4 with Eagles)
  • Hall of Fame All-2000s Team
  • 2008 NFLPA Alan Page Community Award Winner
  • No. 5 in franchise history in games player with 183
  • Tied for No. 1 in team history with 34 interceptions
  • No. 2 in postseason games with the Eagles (18)

Highlights: Weapon X Unleashed

A look back at Hall Of Fame safety Brian Dawkins and his career in Philadelphia ...

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