INDIANAPOLIS -- Is this the end of the road for the legendary Brian Dawkins?
It could be.
Broncos executive vice president of football operations John Elway didnt sound optimistic Friday morning when asked if Brian Dawkins is likely to return for a fourth year with the Broncos and a 17th year in the NFL.
Dawkins missed all or part of five games last year with a lingering neck injury, and he turns 39 in October. He also missed five games in 2010 with a related neck injury.
Elway, who retired three years after Dawkins was drafted, said he hasnt spoken with the 38-year-old Dawkins, but he said Dawk faces a difficult decision in the coming months on whether to continue his career.
I have not had a chance to talk with Brian to see what his plans are, whether hed like to come back or not, Elway said. Not speaking for him, I know hes probably going through a tough time -- having been a football player -- how hard it is making that decision when youre getting close to the end of your career whether you want to continue to play or not.
Elway heaped huge praise on Dawkins, but he also spoke of Dawkins tenure with the Broncos in the past tense.
NFL
Brians been tremendous. Hes been a tremendous help for the organization, Elway said Friday morning at the Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. His ability as a football player but also as a man, his ability as a leader and the type of person he is has been very reflective of the Denver Broncos, and those are the type of guys that we want on our football team.
Dawkins has 37 interceptions, 36 forced fumbles and 25 sacks in 224 NFL games. He went to six Pro Bowls with the Eagles and two more with the Broncos.
In NFL history, only three players have recorded 35 interceptions and 25 sacks -- Dawkins, former teammate William Thomas and Ray Lewis.
E-mail Reuben Frank at rfrank@comcastsportsnet.com.