Hopefully, the end result is different this time around.
Brian Dawkins, already a member of the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame, was named a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday night. Dawkins is in his second year of eligibility. He was a finalist who deserved to be a first-ballot selection a year ago.
Dawkins is one of 27 modern-era semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The next step is to reduce that number to 15 modern-era finalists in January and the Selection Committee will name the Class of 2018 on the eve of Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis. The Pro Football Hall of Fame's bylaws stipulate that a class must consist of four to eight players, but no more than five modern-era inductees. In addition to the modern-era nominees, there are three candidates from the Contributors and Seniors Committees who are voted on separately.
There are six first-year modern-era semifinalists: defensive back Ronde Barber, guard Steve Hutchinson, linebacker Ray Lewis, wide receiver Randy Moss, defensive lineman Richard Seymour, and linebacker Brian Urlacher. There are three other safeties who are eligible along with Dawkins: Steve Atwater, LeRoy Butler, and John Lynch.
Former Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens is also a semifinalist. Owens, like Dawkins, was a finalist for the Class of 2017.
Nicknamed "Weapon X" for his ferocious and energetic style of play, Dawkins was the unquestioned leader of the Eagles' defense for 13 seasons. An eight-time Pro Bowl selection, Dawkins finished his Eagles career in 2008 as the franchise's all-time leader in games played (183) and interceptions (34). A second-round pick out of Clemson in 1996, Dawkins was recognized as a member of the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2000s, was voted the starting safety on the Eagles 75th Anniversary Team by the fans, and was a five-time All-Pro selection. A self-proclaimed "freelance safety," he helped redefine the safety position, notching 26 sacks and 37 forced fumbles in his career, becoming one of five players in NFL history to record at least 30 interceptions and 20 sacks in a career.
A look back at the storied career of Brian Dawkins, who announced his retirement ...
The Falcons will certainly remember Brian Dawkins' impact on the 2004 NFC title game
Where there's smoke, there's Brian Dawkins
Brian Dawkins finally gets to hoist the NFC Championship trophy
Brian Dawkins shows the fans at Lincoln Financial Field the Halas Trophy
Weapon X prepares to emerge from the tunnel
Brian Dawkins flew to strip the ball from Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger
Brian Dawkins soared through the air to make the interception
Brian Dawkins snares the interception with a tip-toe move in the playoffs against the Bucs
Dawkins celebrates the big play against the Panthers
The Eagles stunned the Bears to reach the NFC title game in 2001
The guns are on full display after Dawkins comes up with the turnover
A beautiful over-the-shoulder interception against Dallas
Dawkins celebrates the acrobatic grab
Dawkins and the Eagles celebrate a turnover against Michael Vick's Falcons in the 2004 NFC title game
Dawkins' tackle of Daunte Culpepper keeps the Vikings out of the end zone
Dawkins celebrates yet another turnover
A young Brian Dawkins poses for his headshot
In case you didn't know, it's B-Dawk
Brian Dawkins arrives in Jacksonville for Super Bowl XXXIX
A large poster of Dawkins hangs at his alma mater Raines High School in Jacksonville
Dawkins and his Eagles teammates at the Pro Bowl following the 2004 season
Dawkins finished his Eagles career with 34 interceptions, tied for first in team history
Dawkins stays in bounds to get the pick against the Giants
Dawkins interacts with kids at the annual Eagles Youth Partnership Playground Build
Dawkins was a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award
Dawkins in Super Bowl XXXIX
Down goes Manning!
Brian Dawkins was named by the fans to the 75th Anniversary Team in 2007
