Brian Dawkin’s wife, Connie Kerrin, was a majorette while he played football and basketball; they met in junior high and started dating while he was a student at William M. Raines High School. 

Brian Dawkins, a renowned safety and soon-to-be Hall of Famer, has credited his wife, Connie Kerrin, for saving his life during a difficult period early in his career.

Dawkins struggled with emotions and turned to alcohol to cope, but things came to a head when he had a violent outburst and hurt himself. 

Connie reached out to Emmitt Thomas, the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles at the time, to get help for her husband.

Despite the macho culture in the black community, where men don’t typically disclose their difficulties, Brian was persuaded to seek professional help and eventually overcome his struggles.

Dawkins played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles, who selected him in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft after playing college football for Clemson.

He is considered one of the best players in Eagles history and was selected to nine Pro Bowls, winning two with the Denver Broncos and seven with the Eagles. During his 13-season career, he amassed 895 tackles, 37 interceptions, and 26 sacks.

This Saturday, Brian Dawkins will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest safeties ever played.

However, his wife, Connie, will always hold a special place in his heart for her role in saving his life during a dark period.

About Connie Dawkins 

Connie Dawkins is the wife of Brian Dawkins, a former American football safety. The couple met in junior high and started dating while Brian was a William M. Raines High School student. 

They officially got married in July 2009, after eloping in 1994, surrounded by family and friends. Together, they have four children, two of whom are twin daughters named Chonni and Cionni, born in 2007.

The other two children are named Brian Jr. and Brioni, with Brian Jr. currently playing as a cornerback for the Clemson Tigers.