Denver Broncos’ safety Brian Dawkins announces retirement – NFL News
Denver Broncos’ safety, Brian Dawkins, has decided to end his professional National Football League (NFL) career as a player and tweeted on Monday, April 23, 2012, confirming the decision to retire after playing for 16 years.
Dawkins started his professional NFL career with Philadelphia Eagles in 1996. He played 13 seasons with the Eagles before joining the Broncos on a five-year deal in 2009. He played three seasons with Broncos before calling it quits.
Some of Dawkins’ career highlights include his selection in the Pro Bowl squad nine times, receiving the honour of being named All-Pro six times in his career and becoming a part of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.
During his 13-year career with Eagles, Dawkins started 182 games while playing 183. He recorded a total of 898 tackles, 34 interceptions and 21 sacks for the Eagles.
His first year with Broncos was very impressive as he played and started all 16 games of the regular season and registered a total of 116 tackles and two interceptions.
In the last season, Dawkins started 12 games while playing 14 in which he posted 51 tackles and 3.0 sacks.
While announcing his retirement, Dawkins thanked all his fans and the teams for which he has played. He said:
"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."
Different reports have suggested that Eagles might give Dawkins a short contract, maybe of one day, so he could officially announce his retirement as an Eagle.
Meanwhile, Broncos’ head coach, John Fox, has also appreciated Dawkins’ abilities and praised his services for the sport.
In a statement released by the team following the retirement announcement by Dawkins, Fox said:
"Brian is the definition of class and is what you want in a leader. I know our players, coaches, fans and so many within the National Football League feel the same way."
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