Former Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos safety Brian Dawkins has announced his retirement from the NFL after 16 seasons.
Shortly before 10 a.m. on Monday morning, Dawkins made his decision known via Twitter stating,
The Lord has blessed me to play in the NFL for 16 years. I would like to thank the Eagles & the Broncos 4 believing In me. I would like 2 thank all my teammates & Coaches that I have been blessed 2 go to battle with. Along with u, the fans 4 helping make my career 1 that i have enjoyed tremendously. In other words. I am announcing my retirement from the NFL. #BBTB
A 9-time Pro Bowler and 6-time All-Pro, Dawkins was a 2nd round pick for the Eagles in the 1996 NFL draft. Over the next 13 seasons, Dawkins accumulated 898 tacked, 34 interceptions, and 21 sacks while being one of the Eagles biggest emotional and physical defensive presences of all-time.
In a surprising move, the Eagles allowed Dawkins to leave the team as he signed a 5-year, $17 million deal with the Denver Broncos on February 28, 2009. Dawkins played three seasons for the Broncos and was named the 2009 and 2011 Pro Bowl teams.
Throughout his 16-year career, the 38-year old Dawkins accumulated 1,131 tackles, 26 sacks, and 37 interceptions.
According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Eagles have an open invitation on the table for Dawkins to come back to Philadelphia and retire with the team.
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