National Football League

Dawkins makes emotional return vs. Eagles

Published Dec. 28, 2009 2:39 a.m. ET

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Brian Dawkins was so worried about sapping his energy and emotions early that he couldn't even take the field with the rest of the Denver Broncos for pregame warmups.

So Dawkins patiently waited in the locker room, a thunderous stadium flooded with No. 20 jerseys waiting his arrival.

He didn't disappoint, acting more like an Olympic gymnast than Pro Bowl safety in his first game back at Philadelphia.

Dawkins was introduced last on Sunday when the Broncos defensive starters were announced. He dropped to one knee, pointed to the sky and flexed. Dawkins then somersaulted, and turned a reverse somersault into a handstand. Dawkins nearly took out a cameraman as he charged through the line and chest-bumped his teammates.

``It's just real, real nerve-racking,'' Dawkins said. ``I've been in a lot of big games before. I was just trying to control my emotions. It was real tough for this game, mainly because we needed this game so bad.''

Dawkins has played better games at the Linc than in Denver's 30-27 loss against the Eagles that hindered the Broncos' playoff chances. The Eagles inched closer to an NFC East title in a game that doubled as Dawkins' Appreciation Night.

Some fans wore his Broncos or Clemson jersey with Eagles hats and jackets. Others just pulled the ol' Eagles No. 20 jerseys out of the closet in what could be the final time they'll get to honor one of the franchise's all-time greats.

The 36-year-old Dawkins was the face of the Eagles and one of their most inspirational players over a 13-year career. He wanted to return to Philadelphia, but couldn't turn down a better offer from the Broncos.

He insisted his only thoughts were about helping the Broncos win and getting engulfed in nostalgia.

``Once it was snapped, it was about playing football,'' Dawkins said.

But it wasn't easy to forget all the memories and friendships forged over an Eagles career that included multiple trips to the NFC title game and a Super Bowl appearance. Some of his former teammates, such as safety Sheldon Brown, pointed toward Dawkins during the game out of gratitude and respect.

``Those are the types of things I expected from some of the guys over there,'' Dawkins said. ``We went to battles, we went to war for many, many years. We built something.''

Brown wasn't surprised Dawkins skipped warmups. He'd seen up close Dawkins silently prepare in the locker room before big games because he was worried about wasting all his pent-up aggression.

Brown, who keeps in touch with Dawkins and watches Broncos games, joked that Dawkins ``would have to come out and have an IV'' if he tried to play after warmups.

Dawkins wasted little time taking aim on his former teammates. He dragged down running back Brian Westbrook from behind with a grab at the ankles.

He appeared to blame himself for missed coverage on a 47-yard TD pass from Donovan McNabb to Brent Celek. Dawkins pointed at his head, then chest after the score that seemed to indicate he knew he blew the play.

His illegal contact penalty on Philadelphia's first possession nearly proved costly. The play wiped out a sack that would have forced a punt, but the Eagles eventually turned the ball over.

``Too many mistakes,'' Dawkins said. ``Early one, we weren't making the mistakes we're making. It seems like we're going through growing pains at the wrong time of the year.''

It almost seemed like a scene right out of another playoff celebration after the game. Dawkins hugged McNabb and Westbrook, kneeled in the prayer circle, then soaked in the cheers from the fans who stuck around to show him some love one more time.

He blew kisses to the crowd, pumped his fists, and waved to the fans who haven't stopped adoring him even though he plays for another team.

``We did some things together that I'll remember forever,'' Brown said.

So will those hardened Philly fans turned softies when Dawkins came back to say hello.

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