HOUSTON — On Saturday, former Eagles safety Brian Dawkins will find out if he is one of the 15 finalists that will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
An induction that, according to NFL analyst Mark Schlereth, is a no-brainer.
“Is he a Hall of Famer?” Schlereth said Wednesday. “There is no question he is a Hall of Famer.”
Schlereth, who was at radio row in Houston for Super Bowl LI, said one thing stood out about Dawkins when he played.
“Passion for the game. Played with that great passion,” Schlereth said. “Played with great intelligence. And he was a leader. That is what set him apart.”
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Dawkins played for the Eagles from 1996 to 2008, appearing in 183 games, before leaving to sign with the Denver Broncos, where he played for three seasons.
Schlereth played for the Broncos for six seasons, from 1995 to 2000, during his 12-year career.
In his 16-year career, Dawkins finished with 895 tackles, 37 interceptions and 26 sacks. With only six safeties in the Hall of Fame, however, the position that Dawkins played could keep him out.
To be elected to the Hall of Fame, Dawkins must receive 80 percent support from the 46-person selection committee.
“I always look at Hall of Famers, you can just see them. You see the way they play, you say ‘That dude’s a Hall of Famer, that dude’s not a Hall of Famer.’ It is pretty easy,” Schlereth said. “I look at (Dawkins), I say ‘That guy is a Hall of Famer.’ No questions asked.”
Also up for the Hall of Fame are:
LaDainian Tomlinson (running back for the Chargers and Jets)
Jason Taylor (defensive end for the Dolphins, Jets, and Redskins)
Morten Andersen (kicker for the Saints, Falcons, Chiefs, Vikings, and Giants)
Kurt Warner (quarterback for the Rams, Cardinals, and Giants)
Don Coryell (coach of the St. Louis Cardinals and Chargers)
Tony Boselli (tackle for the Jaguars)
Three Eagles storylines at Super Bowl 51
Isaac Bruce (receiver for the Rams and 49ers)
Terrell Davis (running back for the Broncos)
Alan Faneca (guard for the Steelers, Jets, and Cardinals)
Joe Jacoby (tackle for the Redskins)
Ty Law (cornerback for the Patriots, Jets, Chiefs, and Broncos)
John Lynch (safety for the Buccaneers and Broncos)
Kevin Mawae (center and guard for the Seahawks, Jets, and Titans)
Terrell Owens (receiver for the 49ers, Eagles, Cowboys, Bills, and Bengals)
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Eliot Shorr-Parks may be reached at eshorrpa@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @EliotShorrParks. Find NJ.com Eagles on Facebook.
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