Well, the Eagles are in the playoffs – that’s step 1.
Step 2 is figuring out what seed we’re going to be. With some help from the Vikings, the Eagles could be as high as the #2 seed, which means a first-round bye.
But first things first. The Broncos are in town this Sunday, which means the return of Weapon X, aka Brian Dawkins - arguably the most loved Eagles player of ALL time. He had everything that makes up the heart of Philadelphia: Honesty, toughness, heart, determination, class, and passion. Even when he was clearly losing a step during the regular season last year – Eagles fans gave him a pass…which typically we do for no one. (re: Cole Hamels, Donovan McNabb, etc) During the playoffs however, he stepped up and played fantastic.
Part of what made Dawkins so captivating was his complete transformation from caring, churchgoing, well-spoken family man off the field to a ravenous, terrifying, invincible super-soldier on the field – hence the nickname taken from comics, “Weapon X”. (better known as Wolverine)
Ideal stat line: Dawkins with 20 tackles, 5 sacks and 3 picks. Eagles win 54-0.
I’m an Eagles fan down to my DNA, so much so I won’t even play fantasy team players playing against the Eagles. If I see someone wearing another teams jersey in Philadelphia I will audibly boo them. It doesn’t even have to be a Sunday, or a Cowboys jersey.
However, I will make an exception for Brian Dawkins. Wearing his jersey will earn you a coke and a smile. I sincerely hope Eagles fans at the game give the guy the respect he deserves with an ovation.
Sports is big business, so it never really surprises me when players leave teams for financial reasons…but it still hurts when I think that Dawk won’t end his career here in Philly. Ultimately though, he will go into the Hall of Fame as an Eagle, and I’ll be happy that I was one of those who got to watch him every week.
I leave you with some highlights of the living legend himself.
…and of course: MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all our readers and followers. Be back soon with more NFL coverage.
- Magnum
Leave a comment – what’s your favorite Brian Dawkins moment?
