Brian Dawkins announces his retirement

Safety Brian Dawkins ended nearly four months of speculation by announcing his retirement via his Twitter feed on Monday. Dawkins had spent the offseason deliberating over whether to return for a 17th NFL season after missing four of the Broncos' final five games in 2011 because of a pinched nerve in his neck. His contract had expired at the end of last season, but the Broncos had said he could come back if he chose to do so.