Top 10 NFL Players Teams Gave Up On Too Soon

Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indianapolis Colts place kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) kicks the game winning field goal from the hold of punter Pat McAfee (1) against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Colts defeated the Falcons 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

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#4: Brian Dawkins

The unquestioned leader of the Philadelphia Eagles defense for an entire era. Brian Dawkins was the epitome of football intensity. Every play was executed as if it were in the final two minutes of the Super Bowl with this defensive back. In 13 years with the Bird, he was a seven-time Pro Bowler who collected 34 interceptions, forced 32 fumbles and scored three defensive touchdowns. Philly made the playoffs eight times with him on their defense.

Since he left in 2009, they have reached the postseason three times and failed to win a playoff game. They won 10 with Dawkins on board. So it was a sad day when they cut the cord with the 36-year old, but he wasn’t about to let them determine the end of his career. He jumped over to the Denver Broncos where he added two more Pro Bowls and capped it age 39 by helping them upset the Steelers in the 2011 wild card playoffs.

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