For the first time in 16 years, Brian Dawkins isn't preparing for the rigors of an NFL season. Dawkins announced his retirement in April, but the decision to step away from football is one that the All-Pro safety says he is "at peace with."
"It's not weird at all, to be honest with you," Dawkins said at the Dare to Play Football Camp on Saturday, according to the Denver Post. "I'm at peace with my decision.
"I'm very ecstatic about the next phase of this thing, doing some of the things that have been in my heart for maybe the last three-to-four years. This is what I've been doing, charitable things with different organizations, dabbling in a little coaching, a little broadcast work, if that comes to fruition, so I'm excited about that."
Dawkins finished his career as one of the NFL's most accomplished safeties, playing 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and his final three with the Denver Broncos. Dawkins was a nine-time Pro Bowl and six-time All-Pro selection.
Despite his retirement, Dawkins won't be too far removed from the game. He will serve as a member of the coaching staff at Valor Christian High School, where his son, Brian Dawkins Jr., will be a sophomore.
