Weapon X: Is Brian Dawkins Worthy of the Hall of Fame?

He is my favorite professional athlete of all time. He might be my single favorite person of all time. He has been the unquestioned leader of my team for 13 years. He is one of the most feared defenders in the National Football League and trains during the offseason with MMA fighter Tim Catalfo.

And, as his career nears its unfortunate conclusion, it's time to ask ourselves: Is Brian Dawkins worthy of selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Brian Dawkins was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He is the most popular player in Philadelphia and is currently the longest-tenured Philadelphia athlete.

As a 23 year old, Dawkins was given the starting job in 1996. He intercepted three passes and forced two fumbles that season. He recorded his first quarterback sack and led the Eagles into the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

Dawkins intercepted three passes in the 1997 season, including a 64-yarder for his first NFL touchdown against the division rival New York Giants.

Dawkins was the one bright spot for the Eagles' franchise in 1998. He intercepted two passes and forced a fumble in his 14 games. He also began earning a reputation as one of the more feared hitters in the National Football League.

In 1999, No. 20 earned his first selection to the Pro Bowl. He intercepted a pass in each of the season's first three games. He also returned an interception for 67 yards and a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins, the longest play of his career.

He successfully defended 24 passes, a career-high, and tops in the National Football League. His six forced fumbles led the NFC and he racked up 1.5 sacks. It was arguably the greatest year of his career.

Dawkins continued his dominance over the next eight seasons. He intercepted 21 more passes, including three game-winning fourth quarter interceptions. His consistency shows in the fact that he has never intercepted more than four passes in a season, but never less than two in any full season.

He holds the unusual distinction of being the only player in the history of the NFL to intercept a pass, sack a quarterback, recover a fumble, and catch a touchdown in the same game, against the Houston Texans in 2002.

The single biggest play of Dawkins' career came in overtime in the divisional round of the playoffs in 2003. He intercepted future Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre on the first play of overtime and returned the pass 35 yards to set up David Akers' game-winning field goal. The Eagles advanced to their third straight NFC Championship Game.

He has been feared throughout his career for his trademark safety blitz. His ability to blitz from his position at free safety has resulted in 20 career sacks, almost unheard of for a defensive back.

In fact, in 2008, Dawkins became the ninth official member of the 20/20 club (20 interceptions and 20 sacks in a career). The first eight members include five linebackers—Seth Joyner, William Thomas, Ray Lewis, Wilbur Marshall, and Donnie Edwards, one cornerback—Ronde Barber, and three safeties—Dawkins, Rodney Harrison, and LeRoy Butler.

Dawkins was selected to the Pro Bowl following the 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2006 seasons. Four of those years resulted in All-Pro selections as well.

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