After two seasons working in the Philadelphia Eagles front office as a football operations executive, Pro Football Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins has announced his decision to step down from his full-time role with the organization to become a consultant with the team, while also pursuing other endeavors including entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

"I want to thank Jeffrey Lurie, Howie Roseman, Don Smolenski, and Coach (Doug) Pederson for blessing me with the opportunity to return to this great organization. This is a special time in Philadelphia Eagles history and I am grateful to have been a part of the team's first Super Bowl Championship – something I wanted to help bring to this great city, one way or another," Dawkins said. "I will always cherish the relationships I have within the building and it was a privilege to work side-by-side with so many great people. I have put a lot of time and prayer into this decision, and after talking it over with my family and listening to the Lord, I am being called in a different direction as I take the next step in my life and career. Although I am leaving my full-time role in football operations, I will always be a part of the Eagles family and the Philadelphia community. I look forward to continuing to work with the organization as a consultant while I also pursue other endeavors that are extremely important to me and my family's purpose to inspire hope and increase the minds, bodies, and souls of so many to come."

Prior to re-joining the Eagles as a football operations executive, Dawkins enjoyed a 16-year playing career and led the Eagles' defense for 13 seasons from 1996-2008. 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 notched 26 sacks and 37 interceptions in his career, becoming one of five players in NFL history to record at least 30 interceptions and 20 sacks in a career. Dawkins will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio this summer.

Philadelphia Eagles Statement