Brian Dawkins didn't have much of a choice.
In 2009 on the heels of advancing to the NFC Championship game the previous season, Dawkins was allowed to leave via free agency when the Eagles front office failed to present an offer that approached the five-year $17 million deal the iconic safety signed with the Denver Broncos.
With his heart in Philadelphia, Dawkins signed with the Broncos and played three seasons, earning two trips to the Pro Bowl in the process.
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On Monday, Dawkins joined the Mike Missanelli Show on 97.5 The Fanatic and said that leaving Philadelphia was a trying experience.
"It was a pain in my heart," Dawkins admitted. "It still is. Sometimes you go through traumatic experiences and that was a traumatic experience for me.
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"I don't like to rehash it and don't really like to talk about it. That's hwo much pain it caused me. But, at the end of the day, that place will always be home to me."
The Eagles decision not to re-sign one of the most beloved figures in franchise history opened a wide chasm between the front office and the fan base that is just now beginning to heal. From a football perspective, the Eagles have been chasing a playmaking safety in Dawkins' mold like a white whale ever since his departure.
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READ MORE: http://www.eagledelphia.com/2014/01/brian-dawkins-says-leaving-eagles-was-traumatic-.html
