'It's just the fact about having peace about stepping away from the game knowing that I can play the game another year -- that may sound crazy -- but knowing I could play this game at least another year gave me a lot of peace,' Dawkins said during a conference call Monday. 'A lot more peace to step away from the game a year too early, rather than a year too late.'
After 16 seasons, Dawkins retires with 26 sacks and 37 interceptions, having played in one Super Bowl with the Eagles and nine Pro Bowls (including this past season, as an alternate). Dawkins also was a four-time first-team All-Pro selection.
Dawkins battled neck injuries toward the end of the 2011 season and missed two of the Broncos' final three regular-season games and the team's two playoff games. However, the safety refuted any suggestion that his retirement was related to injury.
'Injury factors weren't the main ingredient here. It really wasn't,' Dawkins said.
Dawkins, ever characterized by his physical style of play, said another player could come into the league and play like him, but the stricter rules would make it hard for them to be successful.
'He can exist,' Dawkins said. 'It's going to be tough, it's going to be tough, but he can play.'
While others already have started the Pro Football Hall of Fame talk, Dawkins said that was never something he said to himself when he came into the league.
'There is a small percentage of guys who get a chance to play in the National Football League,' Dawkins said. 'So, just being able to be on the field, you know, to be out there on the field, not on the sideline but on the field playing the game is something that will be missed.'
Dawkins said he plans on coaching at the high school level in Denver, but he doesn't have any other immediate plans, other than to spend time with his family.
'My wife has done an excellent job of raising our kids,' Dawkins told The Denver Post. 'A lot of time I'm not here. I'm going to be around more.'
ESPN.com: Here is Fox’s statement: 'Brian Dawkins is one of the best to ever play the game, a future Hall of Famer who changed the way his position is played. In many ways, he helped my job as a coach with his great leadership and preparation. He brought so much to the table, and was such an enormous asset to our football team.
'His contributions go far beyond the wins, interceptions, sacks and Pro Bowls he accumulated during his career. 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.
'I competed against Brian for many years with the Giants and coached him once in the Pro Bowl, but to be around him every day for a season was truly special. I’m not sure there was a more respected guy in our building than Brian. He knows defense, he knows football, and he knows what it takes to win. I’ve got the utmost admiration for him as both a player and person.
'It’s been an honor and a privilege to coach Brian. Although I will miss the positive impact he had on our team, I congratulate Brian on a tremendous career, and wish him and his family all the best going forward.'
According to LJ and Andrew Mason, Dawkins will officially retire on Saturday as a Philadelphia Eagle.
Originally signed to a five-year deal in February 2009, Dawkins took a significant pay cut last August and the final two years of his original deal were wiped out, meaning Dawk had become an unrestricted free agent in March. Therefore, his retirement will have no cap implications for the Broncos, who signed veteran safety Mike Adams to a two-year deal on March 15.
John Elway reacted to Dawk's announcement via Twitter:
Thank you, @BrianDawkins, for being a GREAT Bronco and showing such an incredible commitment to your team and community....Congratulations on a Hall of Fame career, Dawk!!!
Brian Dawkins Tribute Video.
When asked how he hopes to be remembered, Dawkins said simply as a player who worked hard every day, someone who teammates could count on no matter the situation.
And someday -- possibly as soon as the class of 2017 -- he could be remembered as a Pro Football Hall of Famer.
'If that's something that happens, that will be a blessing,' Dawkins said. 'I never entered the NFL saying, ‘You know, I'm going to be a Hall of Famer.’ I know some guys do that; I just wasn't one of them. That wasn't my mindset. I did not enter the league saying, ‘I want to play 16 years.’ None of these things were in my mind, so, at this point, now that I can really reflect on my career, if it happens, I will share it with my fans and all those that cheered me on. I would share it with my coaches and teammates.
'It would be an absolute blessing and honor.'
Personally I am really disappointed that Dawk didn't come back for that last shot at a ring after our team is continuing to build in the right direction. But he goes out on his terms and at his time. Thank you B-Dawk for everything you did for the Broncos and the community.
Also remember the draft competition submission post below. ~ Aussie.
