Dawkins to be introduced; It crossed his mind
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Dawkins to be introduced; It crossed his mind
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Denver coach Josh McDaniels said that the Broncos defense will be introduced prior to this Sunday's game at the Linc. Why is that important? Because Brian Dawkins is making his return to Philadelphia and the introduction will allow the city its chance to honor the former Eagles safety.
Normally, the visiting team enters the field as one without individual introductions, but it is up to the visiting coach to decide if he would like to have one unit introduced. McDaniels, during a conference call today said that he did, and apparently the Eagles were willing to grant him that luxury.
Dawkins, meanwhile, spoke with the Philadelphia media today about his anticipated return. He admitted to the occasional thought about what kind of reception the Eagles' fans will give him.
"Obviously it has crossed my mind what’s it going to be like," he said. "Whatever it is, I know they’ve appreciated me just like I’ve appreciated them over the years, so I don’t expect anything crazy."
Dawkins was asked if he would skip pre-game warm ups on the field to avoid getting over-emotional.
"I don’t know," he said. "Nothing is going to be preplanned. Whatever I’m feeling. If that be the case – overhyped, or even more hyped than usual – maybe I’ll chill out, and think about it."
When Dawkins left in the off-season there was some acrimony between he and the Eagles. He was asked if he has gotten over the bitterness.
"It was an emotional thing, but I’m not going to hash this out, pick on scabs and all that stuff," Dawkins said. "It took me a little bit. The Broncos have welcomed me with open arms. Like I said earlier, I just remember all the good times in Philadelphia."
Dawkins has had a Pro Bowl-caliber season for the 8-6 Broncos. He's recorded 100 tackles and instantly became one of the team's leaders. He was asked if he felt vindicated.
"That’s for everybody else to write about and talk about," Dawkins said. "All I know is, what are my teammates saying about me in this locker room? That’s all that matters. What are my coaches depending on me to do, or what are my teammates here in Denver, what do they think about me, or what do they anticipate, or what do they depend on me to do game in and game out, and do I do that for them?"
Dawkins said that he still follows the Eagles closely and that he remains in touch with safety Quintin Mikell, running back Brian Westbrook, cornerback Sheldon Brown and quarterback Donovan McNabb.
"I’m always on the phone with different guys, talking from week to week and checking on them, making sure they’re healthy, making sure things are all right with them," he said. "Just because you move on does not mean you leave all your family behind.”
Still, he has to play against some family members and Dawkins is, after all, the enemy come Sunday.
"Before this date even came, I thought that this would be a game that would be important for both teams, and it is," he said. "Obviously it’s lot more important for us than it is for the Eagles, but it’s important for those guys also. They want to win. I know the mentality around there about this time of the year – playing your best football and pushing forward and trying to increase their standing."
Ultimately, Dawkins will remember the bond he forged with a fanbase that is traditionally hard on its superstars.
"That was kind of expected as far as outpour of emotion," Dawkins said about the reaction from the city when he left for Denever. "Like I said, we know that I connected with the fan base of Philadelphia like I never thought that I would be able to. I had heard so much about them going there, but when I played for so many years the way I played the game, we connected in a special way. To know they were going to feel that way was kind of expected. But at the end of the day I know they’re Philadelphia fans and they’re going to back their team. It doesn’t surprise me that their games are still being sold out and the fan base is as electric as its always been."
Who cares he a guy with ajob who got fired and rehired athletes come and go who the hell cares play well when your good luck when your gone— zbskrn- he deserves a 15 minute ovation, and have his # retired and give him a key to city all in one. if the eagles don't have something special planned i will be disappionted, i think it's the least they should do to show denver how lucky they are, and how much he means to philly. show some videos of his greatest plays here or something. just say'in.— 4u2digest
- zbskrn, stop drinking now , before you say something no one can read!oh, too late.— 4u2digest
I got choked up just reading this article (and not because of the quality journalism). The greatest Eagle of this generation is coming home for one last encore. There's not a better stage than this. I'll be shedding a few tears on Sunday along with lots of other people, including Dawk. We miss u 20.
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- ah, Dawkins. You were my favorite Eagles defensive player of all time, after the late Jerome Brown. I loved your style of play and how you inspired the D. I loved the way you tormented Dallas, ever since your rookie year when you blasted Emmitt Smith head on. I'm glad that no Eagle will ever wear #20 again. But today you play for the Broncos. We have both moved on, and I will not root or cheer for you after the ball is kicked off. God Bless!— sedale
- "... between he and the Eagles"??? Try "between HIM and the Eagles".— Will Quale
- if you dont cheer as loud as you can on sunday for this guy you are not an eagles fan.— eaglefandan977
- Dawkins has been horrid for the Broncos, the Eagles were right to kick him to the curb and invest the money elsewhere— BHite15
- I agree with Meaned. He should still be here and the Eagles all year have been missing that little something that Dawk brought.— K.D.
- Should have never left. Now, he's coming back in another jersey??.And I'm supposed to be sentimental ?? Give me a break. He's an Eagle. When he show's up with another team he's just an act. Love you Dawk. Should have never left.— MJPD345
- What a class act.. I agree with Meaned, he deserves a 5, 10, 15...minute ovation. You can bet, when he crab crawls out on to the field he will have tears in his eyes. Go Birdz....— birds of a feather
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- To my way of thinking, the 4 greatest Eagles ever to play on the defensive side of the ball were Reggie White, Chuck Bednairik, Bill Bergey and Brian Dawkins. He absolutely belongs in that illustrious company, probably right after White and Concrete Charlie. I'm sorry he's a Bronco, but he'll always be a great Eagle. I agree--give him a 5 minute standing O and then let Jackson burn him and a corner in cover 2 for 65 yards. If I were B-West, I wouldn't be too happy about having to make his comeback from 2 concussions when his old friend, the most concussive hitter on the field, is prowling the gaps. Thanks, Dawk. Go Birds.— Matt Weiss
