Brian Dawkins calls it a career

Weapon X is calling it a career.

After 16 seasons in the NFL, Brian Dawkins is retiring, announcing his decision on Twitter. Dawkins, who spent the last three years with the Denver Broncos after 13 with the Philadelphia Eagles, finished with 26 sacks and 37 interceptions, made nine Pro Bowls and was selected to the NFL's 200s All-Decade Team.

But beyond the numbers, Dawkins will undoubtedly go down for a lot of fans as the player they most associate with the Eagles run in the last decade that included five trips to the NFC Championship Game and one Super Bowl appearance.

Along with the highlights above, here is Dawkins' speech after the Eagles defeated the Atlanta Falcons in 2004 NFC title game. (And if you are inclined to watch full highlights of that game, there are on Hulu here.)

Eagles players, Brian Dawkins, LeBron talk NFL lockout end on Twitter

Good news, America. The NFL lockout is over. No more having to wonder if we'll have to actually do something productive with our time Sundays this fall. Instead, we have those glorious afternoons to hope that this is truly the day Andy Reid finally figures out time management.

And in the spirit of the times, Twitter was the place to comment on the return of pro football. Compiled below are a few tweets from Eagles players, Brian Dawkins and LeBron James. Cause everyone needs to know what LeBron thinks.

Ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok ok!! FOOTBALL IS BAC LET'S GET IT!! YA HEARD MEEEEH!!less than a minute ago via Echofon Favorite Retweet ReplyDesean Jackson
DeseanJackson10

Congrats to both parties on settling the lockout. Intelligent men always find ways to win!!!less than a minute ago via Echofon Favorite Retweet ReplyMike Vick
MikeVick

It's Showtime..less than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone Favorite Retweet ReplyAsante Samuel
Thepresidentcb

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL!!!!!!less than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone Favorite Retweet ReplyStewart Bradley
StewBradley

And so it begins... #focused and #readyless than a minute ago via Echofon Favorite Retweet ReplyVictor Abiamiri
victorabiamiri

SO IT BEGINS !!!!!!!!!! #SnotBubbleCrazyEyesless than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone Favorite Retweet ReplyBrian Dawkins
BrianDawkins

As of fan of the great sport of Football, I happy and excited about the 10 year deal both sides came to and upcoming football season! #hypedless than a minute ago via Echofon Favorite Retweet ReplyLeBron James
KingJames

NFL conference title game predictions

Four historic NFL giants — the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets — remain standing. A pair of fascinating matchups will determine who will play in the Super Bowl.

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT CHICAGO BEARS

Classic rivals. Legendary NFL teams. Soldier Field.

And ironic, when you think about it, that the Bears hope to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy when all is said and done.

Plus, you have a tail of two quarterbacks. One guy is a total jerk who throws lots of interceptions, and the other guy has zero personality but makes some good decisions on the field. Which do you prefer to watch?

The NFC title game will come down to Green Bay's defense. If the Packers can limit Jay Cutler and the Bears' attack, and maybe force a couple turnovers, they have the offensive firepower with Aaron Rodgers to pull out a road win against their rival — in spite of the Bears' stiff 'D.'

Prediction: Packers 28, Bears 17.

NEW YORK JETS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS

The team that put the AFL on the map and forced the creation of the modern NFL vs. one of the NFL's dynasties.

Ben Roethlisberger has established himself as a postseason playmaker. He finds ways to win, and also ways to escape court charges. For the Jets to take the AFC crown, they need to disrupt Roethlisberger all night and come up with a late pick or fumble. It would also help Mark Sanchez and the Jets to get an early lead.

Prediction: Jets 24, Steelers 21.

Just my humble opinions. What do you think?

Follow Christiaan DeFranco on Twitter @cdefranco.

Vick named SN Comeback Player of the Year

The Sporting News named Eagles quarterback Michael Vick the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year. Find it here.

The voters included 617 NFL players, coaches and executives.

The Associated Press will release its end-of-season awards later this month.

DeFranco's Power Rankings

College Football
1. Oregon
2. Auburn
3. LSU
4. TCU
5. Boise State

NFL
1. Baltimore Ravens
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
3. New York Giants
4. New York Jets
5. Green Bay Packers

Add a comment to share your gripes, or e-mail assistant sports editor Christiaan DeFranco at cdefranco@thereporteronline.com.

Not surprised McNabb was benched

By Christiaan DeFranco

So, there he was, his team trailing with the game on the line, standing on the sideline with his helmet off, drinking some Gatorade.

Injured? No.

Donovan McNabb was benched.

Were you really surprised? If you were watching the game, you knew McNabb wasn't going to get it done in the final two minutes. And Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan knew it too. Although the national media may have been stunned, the truth is Shanahan has learned what most of us in Philadelphia have known for a decade:

McNabb isn't clutch.

Talented, yes. Pretty good quarterback with a good career, yes. But not clutch.

If you need a game-winning or game-tying drive, whether it's in the Super Bowl, the playoffs or during the regular season, you might want to go with someone else. Even if it's Rex Grossman.

Glad Cowboys don't have a coach

By Christiaan DeFranco

Not that I nor anyone in Philadelphia is complaining, but if the Cowboys had anything resembling a decent head coach, they'd be a very good team.