Blessed by the Best: My Journey to Canton and Beyond

by Brian Dawkins, Michael Bradley (Contributor)

Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1996, Brian Dawkins fought to elevate not only his own game but that of his entire team. He sweat, bled, and dominated through sixteen seasons in the NFL, all the way into the Hall of Fame, but not for a moment did he believe his strength alone brought him that glory. Every step of the way, the Lord had his back. From coaches that wanted to break him to defeats and bitter lessons in humility, his career is a testament to his faith and an homage to the countless people that helped him along the way.

In the wake of his success, Dawkins comes forward to describe his journey to become one the best safeties in the NFL. Physical training wouldn't cut it. Blessed by the Best follows Dawkins' trials to train his mind and faith along with his skill. As a nervous kid from Jacksonville, he never dreamed of one day standing in front of a crowd to accept that golden jacket. But one way or another, he made it. Dawkins tells his story straight, unafraid of exposing his own weaknesses; his overcompetitive spirit that takes losses too hard, the tunnel vision that estranged him from his kids, and the self-doubt that plagued much of his early years. Triumphs, pitfalls, love, and struggles—Dawkins shares them all, not for himself, but in gratitude to those who have helped him along the way.

Genres: Football, Sports

256 pages, Unknown Binding

Published December 1, 2019

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a longtime Philadelphia Eagles fan, you are Brian Dawkins fan. He was and always will be our own Weapon X. Although not mentioned in the book, when in Philadelphia Brian Dawkins also gave of his time to local charities especially JDRF and children with diabetes. In this book Dawkins tells of his journey as a young boy from working class family in Jacksonville, Florida, to Clemson University, to the NFL and to the Hall of Fame. The road was far from an easy one and not at all the one Dawkins dreamed. He tells of his parents and the values they instilled, his Pop Warner coaches (both good and bad), the heartbreaking loss of scholarship to the University of Florida, his college life, marriage to Connie and their children, and most of all his sixteen years in the NFL. He writes of his spirituality which is an integral part of his life. Dawkins is very honest in his description of his battles with depression, his transition to the NFL not being an easy one, and the physical work he did to stay at 100% Not at all a tell all book, but he does include struggles in the locker room with the coaches and with the players, as well as the wins and the losses. This is tremendous story and he is a phenomenal man.

[Mike Murry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part memoir, part self-help book, Brian Dawkins book, 'Blessed By the Best,' is an interesting look at what it takes to be a good man and how belief in yourself and in the power of God can impact success.

This book ended up being very different from what I was expecting in the best way possible. Dawkins writes with the talent and vision of a seasoned author, and 'Blessed By the Best,' has everything that any memoir reader could want.

Anecdotes about Dawkins childhood in Jacksonville, Florida, his relationship with his wife, Connie whom he met in high school, and his three beautiful children pepper the pages. Information about his time as a Safety for the Philadelphia Eagles and how he managed to become an NFL Hall of Fame member, may be the main course of the memoir, but Dawkins adds in just enough stories from his personal life to create a full meal.

Dawkins humility and complete transparency in his writing make this memoir seem that much more real. I loved the sections where he talked about his mental health and how he always seeks to discover what God is trying to tell him from every failure. From the sections where Dawkins writes about his mother and father and his relationship with them, it is clear that their love is another way that he has been blessed. His mother's strength and discipline and his father's patience are obvious from the stories that he chooses to share about them.

Dawkins explores all of the areas of his life and lays them all bare in a way that is not only illuminating but that induces the reader to look at those areas in their own life and what they can do to improve them. I found this book very beneficial and keep it on my favorite books shelf to reread and ponder!

[Gud Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently, there is a good amount of well-written football books, also there are many football books which have been penned by current and former players, however, finding a book which overlaps between the two tends to be very rare. Thankfully Brian Dawkins a once seasoned NFL player breaks this stale cycle by gifting us with this outstanding memoir featuring some quality prose and some insightful perspective.
In this compelling account of perseverance and hope, we encounter the journey of a Jacksonville kid who never dreamt of being anywhere close to standing in front of a crowd to receive the golden jacket. However, this is a journey of both sweat and blood where he encounters coaches who never believed in him and his peers also out to break him. Guided by his faith in the Lord, Dawkins is not about to lose hope something which brings about blessings launching him into an unexpected journey complete with some amazing outcome.
Dawkins's memoir is a tell it all, exposing the self-doubt, struggles, pitfalls, love, and even victory. It is also a self-help book for those willing to learn from his experience. He possesses that authentic voice on what is bound to happen when one allows the Lord to work his blessings on their life. A truly moving tale of strength, determination and also spiritual grit narrated by the best. A deserving five star for this read!

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved #20 on the field….. and love him even more off the field. He is very inspiring and I think everyone should read his book and hear what he has to say.

[Bookgirl86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“So, my walk with Christ has been evident in my life as I look back on it. He’s been working and maneuvering things in me, so that I can be the man I am today and be able to share these things with you. I can see his work throughout my walk with Him.” – 'Blessed By the Best,' by Brian Dawkins.
A deeply engaging memoir by football great Brain Dawkins-- After 16 seasons playing for the NFL, Dawkins was ready to retire and be inducted into the football hall of fame. Taking a look back over his illustrious life, Dawkins reviews how he got to this point and the people and things that helped him along the way.
Coming from Jacksonville, Florida, Dawkins met his wife, Connie in high school while playing for his school football team. Connie helped Dawkins renew his faith in God by bringing him to her church, a place where Dawkins says: “People were speaking in tongues and shaking.” Growing up Catholic, Dawkins was definitely not used to these kinds of things in church, but he came to appreciate seeing the Holy Spirit in action and appreciate Connie's church in ways that he had never experienced before.
With a new sense of faith, Dawkins went on to attend Clemson University, and was later drafted into the NFL. In 'Blessed By the Best,' he talks all about his life, his relationship with his parents and how struggling against things like racism and a childhood stutter turned him into the man that he is today.
Brian Dawkins is an inspiration, not just for his football prowess but for his gift for public speaking and his love for life. This memoir is a motivating look at life from a man who has seen it all and a great read!

[Suzie Mumba · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It may seem strange to some people who hear me talk about how hard I work, but schoolwork was different than getting into shape and handling my business on the field. I understood that and knew how to push myself to get better and better as a player. I could run those extra sprints. I could lift more and heavier weights. I could watch more film, which was reel to reel in high school. I had the physical tools and knew how to get better.”

One of the most enjoyable memoirs that I have read to date! In his book, 'Blessed By the Best: My Journey to Canton and Beyond,' Brian Dawkins talks about his journey to the NFL hall of fame—and everything that he faced along the way.

After growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, Dawkins was given a scholarship to Clemson University in South Carolina, where he would later be drafted by the NFL. Dawkins talks about his childhood, family and, most importantly, his faith, in this tell all memoir about his fascinating life.

Overcoming academic struggles, a childhood stutter, and racism, Dawkins relied on his numerous mentors throughout life and his faith in God to help guide him to the place that he wanted to be. Decades later, after retiring, Dawkins would later become an NFL hall of fame recipient-- an honor he thanks God for.

There are many lessons to be learned in 'Blessed By the Best.' Dawkins writes about his struggles with both wisdom and the tenacity of someone who has seen it all and faced it down. With this book, it's clear that Dawkins only wishes to share his journey to help anyone who may be going through similar things. This is a five-star book and a definite TBR add for all readers!

[Todd Kinsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Brian Dawkins memoir, Blessed by The Best. I knew going in that I’d enjoy Brian’s book; we’re both Florida boys and I thoroughly enjoyed his hard-hitting style of play.

Dawkins fills this book with great advice for young athletes, chief among them, you have to be your best on and off the field. Dawkins shares the heartbreak of losing out on an early dream of playing for the Florida Gators because his grades weren’t where they needed to be.

Having sent two kids to college myself, I encourage any young readers to strive to be your best in the classroom first and it will carry over to your other endeavors. You will be shocked at the scholarships that are available if your academics are on point.

Dawkins lets readers into his life sharing stories of his early childhood and his relationship with high school sweetheart and wife, Connie. I feel like Dawkins and I would have been fast friends in high school given our penchant for style and the ability to quote Dumb & Dumber.

Most importantly, Brian shares his relationship with God which was a true inspiration. I was often reminded of Tony Dungy’s memoir as I read Dawkins. Both written by strong Christian men who happen to be Hall of Fame defensive backs that I hold in high esteem.

[Dylan Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a solid book. Would not go as far as to say it was so motivating, but was decently interesting.

[Sarah Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
#20 forever

[Brady Kerkhoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This might be the first time I've realized just how deeply syntax can influence my opinions. Don't get me wrong: B-Dawk's use of the word "doggone" will always be endearing. I simply think that Weapon X's energy was too much for this editor to contain. Hastily spinning narratives before circling back to repeat the same sentences, you can almost feel Michael Bradley struggling to keep up. Still insightful, this autobiography does the job, although the bar should be much higher when discussing a GOAT like Brian Dawkins.

[Sean Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

The greatest Eagle of all-time!!