Brian Dawkins Named Professional Athlete of the Year

April 27, 2009

COLUMBIA, SC – Former Clemson standout and current professional football star Brian Dawkins has been named Professional Athlete of the Year by the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame as announced by the organization Monday.

Dawkins will be honored as part of the 49th Annual Banquet, which is set for Monday, May 18, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia, SC.

Dawkins played at Clemson in 1992-95 as a strong safety. He was a Second-team All-American by AP and Sporting News in 1995 and was a first-Team All-ACC selection in 1995. He was also named second team All-ACC in 1993 and 1994.

At Clemson he was eighth in the nation in interceptions (6) in 1995 and set a school record for most interceptions in a quarter against Duke with three in 1995. For this performance, he was named Sports Illustrated’s National Defensive-Player-of-the-Week.

In the Clemson career record book, he finished tied for second in Clemson history in takeaways (15) and third in Tiger history in tackles by a defensive back (247). He is also tied for eighth for most career interceptions with 11.

The Jacksonville, FL native was a second-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1996. He was a NFL All-Rookie selection in 1996. He was chosen to the Pro Bowl at the conclusion of the 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008 seasons.

In 2002, in a game versus the Houston Texans he became the first player in NFL history to record a sack, an interception, forced fumble, and touchdown reception in a single game. During the 2008 season he broke the Eagles record for games played surpassing Harold Carmichael who had 180. After the 2008 season Dawkins became a free agent. He finished his 13-year career with the Eagles starting 182 of 183 games, recording 898 tackles, 34 interceptions, and 21 sacks.

Dawkins was named to Clemson’s Centennial team in 1996. He was also named to the Philadelphia Eagles’ 75th Anniversary Team.

Dawkins was signed by the Denver Broncos on February 28, 2009.

Tickets for the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame’s 49th annual banquet are now on sale and may be secured by calling 803/779-0905.