REJOICE: Brian Dawkins Is A First Ballot NFL Hall Of Fame Finalist

PHILLY – BRIAN DAWKINS moved another step closer to Canton Tuesday when the former Eagles safety was announced as one of the 15 modern-era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2017. This is Dawkins’ first year of eligibility. Players and coaches can’t be considered until they’ve been retired for five years. Dawkins, 43, retired after the 2011 season. He played 16 seasons in the league, including the first 13 with the Eagles after they selected him in the second round of the 1996 draft out of Clemson. He spent the final three seasons of his career with the Denver Broncos.