The Brian Dawkins Story "A Class Act"

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Brian had a routine. He would stay up all night to feed, change, and care for the twins. Then he would go to bed at 6 a.m.; wake up at noon; work out at 1:30; pick up Brian Jr. and Brionni from school; help Connie with dinner; take a nap until 10 p.m., then he would start all over. He said he was a "walking zombie."

Brian said, “But you've got to have a positive outlook on things. My wife is going through what she's going through. The kids are still going to school. Brian still needs to go to basketball practice. Brionni still needs help with homework. So I still have to be able to do all those things — and not with an angry attitude. It was taxing, very taxing.”

Give credit where credit is due. He was a fantastic father and husband. The children, we are happy to say, are now healthy and doing great.

When Brian hit the field in 2007, his injuries mounted and his stats fell. Many didn't know what he went through, even those who claimed to be fans. I think he deserved a pass, don't you?

In 2008, Brian turned it around and became the player on the field that everyone remembers. It was a good enough season to deserve another trip to the Pro Bowl.  

During the 2008 season he became the tenth member of the 20/20 Club and broke the Eagles record for games played surpassing Harold Carmichael who had 180. He finished his career with the Eagles starting 182 of 183 games, recording 898 tackles, 34 interceptions, and 21 sacks.

Now you have some insight as to what this great man, this great human being, went through. You also now know how strong and equally great, his wife Connie is.

After the 2008 season, Brian became a free agent. It was time to move on from the Philadelphia Eagles. Denver Broncos, here I come.

Denver Broncos signed Brian to a contract on February 28th, 2009. It is for 5 years and 17 million. 7.2 million guaranteed. There is a termination clause after 2 years that says that if he is released after two seasons, he will receive an additional $1.8 million.

Brian will bring to the Broncos something that has been sorely missed since the days of Al Wilson. Leadership. If you look in his locker, you will see a Wolverine figurine that the fans of Philly gave him. It represents furiosity. The killer instinct on the field should you cross his path. Another "silent assasin" in the safety position.

He brings heart and future glory to the organization. He brings professionalism. He shows that he is not only a great player, but a great family man, as his "Father of the Year" award that he has won, shows.

Brian Dawkins, like Wolverine, is a Superhero. Maybe not in the literal sense, but rather, in the way that he carries himself. The way that he shows his love for his family, God and the game. He is without a doubt, a brave and great human being. He is "a class act."

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