:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1376309/GYI0062244467.jpg)
After 16 fantastic years in the NFL, 13 of which came in Philadelphia, Brian Dawkins has announced his retirement.
Per Jeff McLane via twitter, the Eagles have extended an invitation to retire as a member of the organization.
The former Eagle is a strong candidate for the Hall of Fame. He racked up 37 interceptions in a stellar career that including one Super Bowl appearance and five trips to the NFC Championship Game.
Dawkins is one of the greats of his generation, a testament to durability and talent all while playing the game the right way.
Nobody ever accused Dawkins of being dirty and yet he was one of the most aggressive and ferocious players in the league for well over a decade. To that point, the ex-Clemson Tiger forced 37 fumbles including six in 2008.
He was the emotional leader of a defense that led Philadelphia to it's only Super Bowl showing since 1980.
Dawkins was a devastating force in both coverage and at the line of scrimmage. He has an incredible 26 sacks to his credit and amassed 1,131 tackles in his time.
If there is any justice in a league dominated by offensives stars and personalities, Brian Dawkins will one day have a bust in Canton, wearing a gold jacket and forever basking in the warm glow of immortality.
For more on the Eagles, please be sure to check out Bleeding Green Nation and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.