After 16 years, Dawkins has made his retirement official. (US Presswire)

Last December, we wondered if the neck issues suffered by then-Broncos safety Brian Dawkins would eventually end his career. On Monday, we got our answer. Yes, Dawkins, after 16 seasons in the league, has decided to retire.

Here are Dawkins’ words on the matter, via his Twitter account.

“The Lord has blessed me to play in the NFL for 16 years. I would like to thank the Eagles & the Broncos 4 believing In me. I would like 2 thank all my teammates & Coaches that I have been blessed 2 go to battle with. Along with u, the fans 4 helping make my career 1 that i have enjoyed tremendously. In other words. I am announcing my retirement from the NFL.”

He’ll retire as a potential future Hall of Famer with eight Pro Bowls and four All Pro honors to his name to go with 37 interceptions and 26 sacks.

The Denver Post’s Mike Klis briefly talked to Dawkins on Monday morning, and Dawkins “said he wrestled with the decision to retire …’I'm a little emotional right now,’ he said.”

Already, tributes to the beloved Dawkins have begun to pour in on Twitter. One such tribute.



For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnNFL on Twitter, and subscribe to our Pick-6 Podcast and NFL newsletter. You can follow Josh Katzowitz on Twitter here: @joshkatzowitz.