Dawkins announces retirement - Yahoo! Sports

Brian Dawkins, one of the most feared defensive players in football over the past 16 seasons, announced on Monday that he has retired.

Dawkins released a statement via his Twitter account to inform followers of his decision to step away from the game.

Here is the full statement:

“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”

Dawkins was drafted in the second round of the 1996 draft by the Eagles and immediately became one of their top defensive players. He played 13 seasons in Philadelphia, reaching the Pro Bowl seven times during that stretch. Dawkins was also named to the franchise's 75th Anniversary Team in 2007.

Following the 2008 season, Dawkins left the Eagles and signed with the Broncos. In three seasons in Denver, he made two more Pro Bowl trips and helped the team win the AFC West last season.

For his career, Dawkins finished with 26 sacks, 28 forced fumbles and 37 interceptions in 224 regular-season games; he is one of only 10 players all-time with 20-plus sacks and 20-plus interceptions. He also added two sacks and four interceptions in postseason play.

The way we see it

Losing a future Hall of Famer hurts any defense, but the Broncos saw this departure coming after Dawkins' injury problems last season. He missed four games (two regular season, two playoffs) with Denver in 2011 because of a neck injury, and the team wasn't counting on him making a big contribution in the future. The Broncos signed veteran Mike Adams in free agency to take Dawkins' spot in the lineup, and also will count on big things from a pair of '11 draft picks — Quinton Carter and Rahim Moore.

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