Dawk

Again, I’m copying from my buddy Rob’s format & occasionally delving into topics other than running. I had to write a little something about former Eagles safety Brian Dawkins leaving the Birds for the Denver Bronco’s. I was thrilled when my beloved Eagles drafted B-Dawk out of Clemson in the second round of the 1996 draft. My sister Mary Pat had also graduated from Clemson, and we both looked forward to seeing what this Clemson Tiger could do for our team. We had no idea how many contributions B-Dawk would make in his 13 years in Philly. His bone-jarring hits, his pass coverage, his sacks & tenacity made him a joy to watch each & every game.
In my lifetime, there may have been a few players in Philadelphia that were more talented than B-Dawk. (Mike Schmitt, Dr. J, Steve Carlton, Reggie White). But NOBODY understood the Philadelphia fan more than B-Dawk. What do we what from our players? Simple: Everything you got & do it with class & all your heart. That’s it. No great mystery. Do that & you will never pay for a drink in the Delaware Valley in your lifetime. No "For who, for what?" No giggling with the other team after a playoff loss. No blaming the fans or media. Give it your all & care as much as we do. That’s what B-Dawk did each & every time he strapped it up.
During this years improbable playoff run by the Eagles, all I wanted was a Super Bowl victory. Not for me, not so my family & I could squeeze on to the Speed Line to watch another parade, not so the entire city could recapture the joy of the Phillies World Series (times 10). All I wanted to see was B-Dawk hoist that silver football over his head while tears streamed down his face. Apparently, according to Joe Banner, this was too much to ask for.
Some will blame Eagles management for throwing around nickels like they were man-whole covers & for always looking to win the coveted "Salary Cap Bowl". Maybe they’re right. It’s just so rare in this day & age to find a player & city that fit as well as B-Dawk & Philly did for the last 13 years. And we just let him walk out the door. I look forward to seeing the ovation B-Dawk gets when the Broncos come to Philly this fall. I guarantee #20 will shed a tear, as will many Eagles fans.
Thanks for your effort Dawk. It was our pleasure to have you on our team.