If there's a player in Philadelphia Eagles history who embodies what the fanbase wants in their athletes, it's Hall-of-Fame safety Brian Dawkins.
The nine-time Pro Bowler spent 13 seasons in Philly and became the face of the organization seemingly overnight. Along the way, he showed athletes around the country that playing in a demanding city isn't as challenging as some make it out to be.
Speaking at Fanatic's Fan Fest Sunday afternoon, Dawkins shared how his mindset helped him succeed in a city like Philadelphia with those unrelenting Eagle fans.
"They're not supposed to cheer for me," Dawkins said via Anthony DiBona. "I'm supposed to give them something to cheer about!"
Eagle fans have carried a legacy of being unforgiving, demanding, and downright vile at times. They expect perfection in each game and will make their athletes hear their displeasure if they are not playing up to their expectations.
It's not just random Eagle fans that carry that legacy, either. South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley, a native of Philadelphia, shared her own experience as an Eagles fan over the years.
"You have to wear Eagles gear and if they won, you have to wear that same gear next week," Staley stated.
During that panel with Dawkins, the three-time national champion shared that she booed the team if they were losing occasionally.
That is just how things are for the Eagles in Philadelphia. Not every athlete is made for that kind of pressure.
Dawkins certainly was, though. And his parting message on Sunday shows that he still understands what the secret to success is in a city like Philly.