Dawk: Thanks to Fans
A tearful Brian Dawkins expressed his love for the fans of Philadelphia, a day after he signed with Denver.
Dawk: Thanks to Fans
Les Bowen
The lengthy pauses had nothing to do with the cell phone service. Brian Dawkins was in tears Sunday, when he responded to a request from the Daily News to talk to the fans of Philadelphia.
"I've just got to thank them. For so many years, we obviously connected on a very deep basis," Dawkins said the day after he left his only NFL home for 13 seasons to sign with the Denver Broncos. "For so many years, they've allowed me to come into their living rooms, to laugh with them, to party with them, to celebrate with them, to cry with 'em through tough losses, to bleed with them. I just really appreciate the way they accepted me, a little safety from Clemson."
Asked about the fact that the Broncos are scheduled to visit the Eagles this season, at a yet-to-be-determined date, Dawkins was overcome with emotion. "Whew," he said. "It's tough. This is not just business for me. I never thought that this would happen this way. I thought the only time I would shed tears in an interview would be because of my retirement from the Eagles, not like this."
Dawkins would not address what the Birds offered to keep him here. Dawkins, 35, reportedly will make more than $9 million guaranteed in the first two years of the reported five-year, $17 million deal he signed in Denver.
"I want to do this the right way," he said.
The day after, it would not be stretching to say Dawk sounded like he had regrets -- buyer's remorse, at the very least.
"In a couple of weeks or a month, I'll be excited about this team," Dawkins said. "I've got to get used to saying that -- I'm a Bronco." Then he paused. "I'll tell you one thing -- I'll always be an Eagle."
Then he paused again, and excused himself.
I agree. I mean he could have stayed if he wanted to, but at the end of the day, in the NFL money=respect. Denver respects the services of Dawk more then Philly did. Dawk had a number in mind, which is fair people he is the one who plays while we watch, and Denver showed him the respect. The safety has always been my favorite player on the team, from Hopkins to Zordich to Dawk. Now I guess my favorite is Q Mike.— albertpa- Burbguy you are a punk for saying something like that.— irishlaxer
- yes, I would turn down more money for some higher calling. I've done it all my life. These guys are pressured by agents and influenced by a disease called greed— retzlaff
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- dawkins and trotter were the two guys who I always felt had the most pride in being an eagle. 10 years from now they'll probably be the only two i remember from the reid era— franknbeans
- Dear Straw man Moose_man How many Post season wins By dallas In the last 10 years? Reggie white Left under braman not lurie... You will Cheer for the Broncos at a Home Game? Why? I think last year was Dawkins veteran savy getting him his last Pro Bowl? He is Old? he was the heart and soul of the defense all these years and it always seemed in those Championship Games he came up mighty small as the leader. last year he had blown coverage on one TD? He is a vet not some dime cornerback.. He is slower he will be average in Denver and the Altitude will be the Knockout to his career!— Philly-d-kidder
- This sucks.— toph314
- Denver offered Dawkins double the $$ the Eagles offered him on his last NFL contract. How could he possibly turn that down, especially since he's taken the "hometown discount" throughout his career. It was incumbant upon the Eagles to keep him here, especially since they are $40M+ under the cap. The Eagles offered him $4.5M less than the $9.5 Denver offered him in what essentially is a 2 year deal. The bottom line here is that the Eagles are an organization that cares about the bottom line more than about winning. They spent $42M on Stacy Andrews to hold Shawn Andrews hand, but couldn't spend the extra $4M on a guy that has given his heart and soul to this organization and its fans for the last 13 years? Lurie, Banner, Reid...F YOU!!— Dean1
- One other thing...I love the plants that the Eagles put on these message boards supporting their organization. Dave Spadarao...use your real name when posting, pal!!— Dean1
- He will always be an Eagle to me. ALWAYS. And it's sad that Denver respected his ability and what he brings to a team more than the organization he's given 13 years to. Asshats.— kimbafuzz
- Dawkins, Quit crying. You took the money, now man up. You will not always be an Eagle, look at your jersey, you are a Bronco.— jakelbi
- it is not personal, it is business, all of you would have done the same thing, money talks!! Besides most of you jokers most likely never had pads on, ur all video game geeks!— eagles2010
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- Cmon tom, Dawk has played his whole career underpaid. He knows this is his last contract, how can you blame dawk for wanting to get what he deserves. I dont blame the Eagles either, they need to start letting these young safties play.— PEFF
