Three Philadelphia Eagles that never should have left the franchise
By Bruce Ewing
. . Brian Dawkins. 20. player. 54.
Brian Dawkins (Safety, 1996-2009)
In 2016, Brian Dawkins came back to Philadelphia as a football operations executive. That’s nice, but he never should have left.
In 2009, Dawkins left the Eagles for the Denver Broncos. Not that we blame him. Back then the Eagles offered the 36-year-old safety a one-year contract; the Broncos offered a five-year deal worth $17 million contract that included $7.2 million guaranteed.
In Philadelphia, Dawkins was the unquestioned heart and soul of the team. With his leadership, the Eagles would play in five conference championships and one Super Bowl. Dawkins made nine Pro Bowls and was named to the 2000s All-Decade Team. His 35 career interceptions and 26 sacks put him in the exclusive 20-20 club (20 sacks/20 interceptions).
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Let’s face it. After Dawkins’ departure, pregame appearances weren’t the same without a weekly appearance of Weapon X. Nobody ever took the field like B-Dawk, and nobody ever will again. It’s a shame the Eagles couldn’t find a way to keep him.
He had a few good years in Denver, but it would’ve meant more had they been in Philly. We’re glad you came back Brian, and we’re glad you got that ring, even if it was as an executive.