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by **VIPER** » Mon Apr 28, 2003 2:34 pm

Eagles reward Dawkins with seven-year extension
April 28, 2003

PHILADELPHIA -- Three-time Pro Bowl safety Brian Dawkins signed a seven-year contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday.

Dawkins, a first-team All-Pro last season, led the Eagles with a career-high 131 tackles, forced seven fumbles, recovered three and had two interceptions. He anchors a secondary that features Pro Bowl cornerback Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor.

Terms of the deal weren't immediately known.

The 29-year-old Dawkins was selected by the Eagles in the second round of the 1996 draft. A three-year starter at strong safety at Clemson, Dawkins moved to free safety in the NFL. He started 13 games as a rookie, and quickly emerged as one of the best at his position.

Dawkins has 675 tackles, 10 sacks and 20 interceptions, including two touchdowns, in his seven-year career.

In a 35-17 victory over Houston last September, Dawkins became the first player in NFL history to record a sack, interception, fumble recovery and catch a TD pass in the same game. The TD reception came on a pass from halfback Brian Mitchell on a fake punt.

Dawkins was entering the final year of a contract, and could have become an unrestricted free agent after the 2003 season. The Eagles, losers in the last two conference championship games, have allowed Pro Bowl defensive end Hugh Douglas and Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Trotter to leave via free agency in each of the last two offseasons.

Philly could not afford to let hom go. Good move to sign and keep him happy.