Speaker - Brian Dawkins
Pro Football Hall of Famer, Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Famer, Motivational Speaker, and Author of Blessed by the Best: My Journey to Canton and Beyond
*Limited copies of the book will be available for purchase
Brian Dawkins is considered to be one of the top safeties in NFL history. In addition, he has served as an NFL team executive and NFL studio analyst.
Upon retirement as an Eagle, he started the Brian Dawkins Impact Foundation, which provides inspiration, education, and resources to youth, families, and communities in need. In 2020, his Foundation announced a partnership with a social impact education innovator to support young people in navigating their “cerebral wellness.” This digital course is offered in schools in his hometown of Jacksonville, FL and in Philadelphia, PA.
Brian combatted depression throughout his career by reliance on his Christian faith and professional resources. During his NFL Hall of Fame speech, Dawkins said, “Thank you, Heavenly Father, for blessing me with the sense to understand that I did not do everything by myself….You have guided me the whole way, orchestrated my life….You stayed faithful to me, and I cannot wait to see what You’re going to do with me next.”
Brian has published his life story of constant renewal and rebirth in his book, “Blessed by the Best: My Journey to Canton and Beyond.” ESPN correspondent Sal Paolantonio has stated, “This book is without a doubt the most powerful and poignant autobiography I’ve ever read by a retired professional athlete – ever. If you are a parent, a teacher, a coach, or a leader in any way in your profession or life, you can learn so much from Brian and this book.”
Brian’s NFL Achievements include:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction in 2018
- Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Famer
- 9-time Pro Bowl Team
- NFL Man of the Year 2008
- The first player in NFL history to record a sack, an interception, a forced fumble, and a touchdown reception in a single game.
- The first player in NFL history to record at least 30 interceptions and 30 forced fumbles in a career
- Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- Eagles No. 20 Jersey Retired
- Most forced fumbles by a safety in NFL history (36)
- Only player in NFL history with 25+ interceptions (37), forced fumbles (36), and sacks (26)
- Appeared in Super Bowl XXXIX with the Eagles in his hometown of Jacksonville, FL
- Super Bowl LII Champion with the Eagles (as Executive of Football Operations for Player Development)
- In April 2019, Wawa introduced a signature hoagie named “The Dawk” in Brian’s honor
Special Music
Roger Hoilman, of The Essentials