Why is Philadelphia so in love with Brian Dawkins?
Think about it. You don’t exactly admire Brian Dawkins, and you don’t exactly respect him — at least, you don’t only admire and respect him. You feel a certain sort of love; something much more than simple affinity for a guy who represented the Eagles in seven Pro Bowls.
This is a different sort of love; a deeper sort.
You appreciate Brian Dawkins. You appreciate what he stands for, because it is so patently Philadelphia. You appreciate unvarnished sincerity. You appreciate the pursuit of validation.