That headline is not really the title of a country song or a preview to a book on philosophy.
It is just an old saying of mine and others regarding the fact that there are at least two things you cannot command or direct from people, those being love and respect.
You can own a company, run a firm, have a relationship, or whatever, but it does not work if you demand love and/or respect.
When these come our way, they are given voluntarily, and all we can do is accept them and be humble about being loved.
That brings us to Denver broncos safety Brian Dawkins.
Playing for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East perhaps made Dawkins less well-known to some Denver fans than he might have been, but anything we say or write downplays how he is regarded in Philadelphia.
In the City of Brotherly Love, Brian Dawkins is revered as no other athlete has been in Eagles history. That is not my statement to make, but I am roughly paraphrasing what has been said and written about him numerous times by Philadelphians since Dawk’s arrival here in Denver.
Just today in the Philadelphia Daily News sports columnist Rich Hofmann wrote a wonderful piece about Dawkins and Philadelphians’ emotional attachment to him, quoting at length no less a figure than Eagles’ owner Jeffrey Lurie.
Jeffrey Lurie said, and again these are quotes from Rich Hofmann’s piece, “I miss Brian. My attitude is, he’s going to be with us probably longer than I live, the next 40, 50 years. He’s going to be one of those great Eagles you see come back. There will never be anybody more of a favorite. That’s not possible.”
Lurie went on to say that “I would have loved to have had him forever.”
There is no question that Dawk’s impact on this Denver team was immediate and absolute.
No one questions his role as the squad’s emotional leader, and his play is still of such a quality that he is frequently referred to as anywhere from a “potential” to a “likely” Hall of Famer.
He has two pass interceptions and three fumble recoveries for the Broncos this year, and that fumble recovery total is tied for the lead in the NFL this year. The combined takeaway total of five is tied for the Denver team high, and his hits are the kinds of jarring collisions that you remember no matter the outcome of the game in question.
Only three safeties in the history of the game have more Pro Bowl selections than Brian Dawkins.
It is going to be a very emotional day in Philadelphia on Sunday, certainly for Brian Dawkins — even more so given that his “normal” amp meter is off the charts — and of course for his wife Connie and family.
It’s going to be emotional as well for the passionate Eagles fans who will be rooting for a Philly win, but no doubt enjoying and appreciating the return of the city’s favorite son.
And Bronco fans should know and appreciate this as well.
This is one of those rare and special moments when the most popular player on the football field is possibly lining up for the visiting team.
You can’t force love. It only comes voluntarily.
Philadelphia fans are known for their toughness, especially directed toward the opposition. But this Sunday Bronco fans will watch the toughest fans in football spill their love onto a player in orange and blue.
Tags: Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia Eagles, Week 16
Dawkins will always be part of the Eagles…but he has made a huge impact in Denver in less than a year. I personally think he is one of the top safetys in the league, a first-ballet HOFer. Its not just he’s play on the field that I love, he is a hugh leader off the field too. He was giving to the community of Denver almost immediately…He is a rare breed. God bless Dawkins. Glad your a Bronco!!!!!
LETS WIN THIS ONE FOR DAWKINS!!!!!!
Another good line is “you can’t teach/force character” and Dawkins has it in spades….He is a rarity in the NFL. emotional leader, great character, humble, God fearing kinda guy. He is a true inspiration to the kind of player NFL youths should aspire to be
I believe the x factor Brian Dawkins and his ability to inspire his teammates is our only chance to win this game. Come on broncos get off your asses and start playing some inspired football for one of the best leaders on your team. Don’t worry he won’t ask you to do anything he isn’t doing himself every week.
Coachemup. That post was right on the money. If Denver goes into Philly like they did Indy and plays timid the first five minutes of the game it’ll be over before you know it. I think Denver has a chance but I pray to Almighty God that they run Buckhalter and Jordan, and spread the ball around to the TE, Marshall, and Royal. No more gimmick plays to Clady, no more dumb lateral screens, just some good old smash mouth football. They win Sunday, they go 10-6 with a head of steam, they don’t they’ll fold like a cheap table and go 8-8. Sunday’s game is a gut check game. We’ll see if these guys are professional enough to leave it on the field or if just a few play hard and the rest go through the motions. Hopefully, the whole TEAM has prepared well and the coaching staff can give the a game plan that attacks the defense. Sorry for the rant, but I’m tired of watching uninspired play from this group. It’s time to grow a pair Broncos and win a pivotal game.
Every team needs at least one DAWK on it,great player,and motivator!!!!!!!!!!
I’m glad the illustrious Brian Dawkins is with the Broncos on loan. Upon his retirement, he should be in Philadelphia for that’s where his greatness was forged but as for now, we’re glad to have him. GO BRONCOS!!!
As usual everyone is asleep. this is always late. But, I would like to add my two cents. I hope everyone is right. I would hate to see such an awesome guy get booed. But, I’m reminded of the great Favre getting booed in the stadium that he built. Brett was synonomous with Green Bay. And he was booed like crazy. And even before the game, the writers in Green Bay was talking about how much Brett did for that team. I hope it is different. But remember, these are the same fans that threw snow balls at santa claus and boos their own son (Donovan). I just don’t respect the eagles fans. They will boo our beloved Dawkins. Just watch.
USC#1: Your probably in bed now with visions of sugar plums lol…..We have our own brand of fans here in Denver at the brand new
Preventsco at Mile High. “Man I hate this place”. Fan support now days is nothing like it used to be at the “Good old Mile High.” With Barrelman passing, “God rest his soul”. Elfman, whatever his name was, “remember the guy with the elf ears?” The story book South Stands, “everything has changed for the worse!” Just read the comments posted on the DP site and listen to all the sports talk with our local journalists and you would think we live in Chicago. Kyle Orton was booed here before ever taking a snap in the preseason. Phil Simms son was booed when he was trying to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving on the Jumbo Tron.
Its no wonder why our players and coaches feel its us against the world and nothing outside of this locker room matters. From OTA’s, through training camp and the preseason all Doom and Gloom. Then we start the season strong and here come all the band wagon jumpers until we hit the skids with our losing streak then it’s back with the “I told you so’s”.
I know that I am ranting and have gotten off subject, and I also know that most, if not all of us fans that post on this site bleed blue and orange. My thoughts are, even though the players say they don’t read all the negativity in the papers and on the internet, THEY DO! and then its only a matter of time before it spreads like cancer. I, like others have predicted week to week with my heart and not my head and if I would have listened I would have been about 85% right this year. I predicted at the beggining of the year we would be 9-7 (pretty good for a 1st year coach and team) with a win at home against KC (man, I hope I’m wrong but my head doesn’t feel so good this week!)
I just hope and pray that somehow and someway we can get to the postseason because then everything flies out the window and we finish better than most expected. Give Philly fans something to boo about and GO BRONCOS………………………..
MERRY CHRISTMAS,
Coach
Even though I was a die-hard Broncos fan for as long as I can remember, my favorite player in the world has always been Brian Dawkins, even though he played for the Eagles. I used to watch Eagles games (cuz I live on the east coast) just to watch him play. Just the way that he played struck me, he’s such a warrior and emotional leader, and every hit he laid was jarring. I just loved him cuz I have never seen anyone else play with that kind of intensity and give everything, and i mean EVERYTHING, that he has on to the field. And his pregame speeches, man, they gave me goose bumps, I played those speeches on youtube before my football games to get hyped. In my mind there was no one better.
I remember thinking, if only he played for the Broncos. Then we signed him this past offseason, and I think I was in shock for about a week lol. I have to be the luckiest fan in the world to have B-dawk now play as a Bronco, and I will be feeling for the Eagles fans this weekend, cuz now I couldn’t imagine losing Brian Dawkins.
I only wish we had 10 more defensive players with the heart of Brian Dawkins. The man is the picture of a coaches dream. A leader, a tackler and an animal on the field. Class from the word go. Thank you Philly, and I understand your love for the man.
Love Everybody…
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