Although it's not yet official, it appears as though Brian Dawkins has played his last game as a Philadelphia Eagle. 13 years, countless memories.
I was hopeful the Eagles would stray from their usual practices and show loyalty to the future hall of famer. However, I'm not completely surprised by this news. It's business as usual for the Eagles front office. They're an organization that's notorious for letting veteran players go elsewhere in favor of getting younger players on the field. Dawk, 35, is no doubt on the downside of his career. But it's hard to find many guys who are better than he is right now at his position.
No one will ever match Dawkins' intensity and passion on the football field. One of my favorite Dawk highlights occurred at a 2002 game at Veterans Stadium against the Giants. I got into the game with a counterfeit ticket. Side note: I miss the Vet. So easy to sneak in to games. Dawkins absolutely leveled Giants WR Ike Hilliard, dislocating Hilliard's shoulder in the process.
It was those kind of hits that made opposing players think twice about going over the middle. It will be difficult to replace the swagger that Dawk brought to the defense. Now who will make Tony Romo collapse in the shower after an Eagles game?
Reflecting on all the great Eagles moments this decade, the ones that stand out the most are watching games with friends and simultaneously jumping out of our seats after a Dawkins hit. That is what he makes you do as a fan.
Farewell Weapon X. Wish you could have won a Super Bowl here.
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