DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Phil Dawson is signing!!!!!

J/c

Watching the HOF game last night, does anyone remember when he kicked the game winner in that game during our first season?

God speed, King of the Stanchion!

Phil really should be in uniform .....

Actually, no he shouldn't. His time has passed and he knows it. Phil was a great kicker in his day. I was one of the fans who were highly upset when we let him go. Time is something that a lot of people lose sight of. 2012 was his last season here. This season would be seven years since he left. He is now 44 years old.

Last year Phil suffered a hip injury that limited him to ten games. During his playing time last year, he went 5-8 for 62.5% of his filed goals.

In 2017 he went 32 of 40 for 80%.

By contrast, last season Greg Joseph went 17 of 20 for 85%.

We all love Phil. None of you more than myself. But the memories of what were, are no longer now.

Watched the whole thing......such a class act.

I believe that was the game where he had to play the wind to make those kicks. He kicked the ball well to the right of the right upright, and let the wind blow it back to center. He later kicked at the other end well left of the left upright and played the wind too. Best foul weather kicker I've ever seen.

Unless I go senile I won't forget the two-bar, down-and-in against the Ravens. Or the 48 yarder in the blizzard against Buffalo.

Jc

He had a great speech yesterday. I read his comments and thought it was all class. It’s pretty crazy what he witnessed here lol ... a true Clevelander now

Phil Dawson addresses the media to announce his retirement from the NFL on August 2nd, 2019.

Phil Dawson's retirement speech

https://923thefan.radio.com/articles/phil-dawson-cleveland-browns-retirement-speech

“It is good to be home. There had not been many days over the last six years since I left that I did not think about coming back to Cleveland. To have the opportunity to do it today is not only special for me but for my entire family as well. I am humbled that the Browns organization would take time to make this happen. They have been first class, extremely accommodating to every requests and have gone above and beyond anything we could have imagined. Kind of a buy time of year, right? For them to take time out to make this happen is very humbling.

“The connection that I had and still have to the City of Cleveland is my most cherished accomplishment of my career. I thought I had an understanding of what that was about when I left here, but having the opportunity to play for two other organizations – which I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to play in San Francisco and Arizona – but those experiences only confirmed in my mind what a special place this is and how special is was that I had the connection with the fans the way I did. I am sure

“I am going to get asked many questions but I am going to go ahead and answer one right now. The question is going to be ‘What is the highlight of your career?’ My answer to that would be today – this right here, having the opportunity to come back home and celebrate our time together with the fans of Cleveland and the Browns organization. There is no greater sports town in American than Cleveland. There are no greater fans in football anywhere. Like I said when I was here and I now still believe it to be true, there will be no greater place on the planet to be (than Cleveland) when the Lombardi Trophy goes down Euclid Avenue. You can bet your last dollar that I will be there to celebrate with everyone.

“My family is here with me today. We have a motto that we talk about in our family, and we call it three F’s. It is faith, family and football. The goal is to try them in that order. I have not always been able to do that, but I have always at least tried to do so. You may ask yourself what in the world does faith have to do with all this with me sitting up here right now. Let me give a few examples. When you expect to be drafted but are not. When you expect to win a job in your first training camp in Oakland but do not. When you finally win a job like I did here in 1999 and the reception you get is ‘We are going to start out with you.’ When you find yourself looking at the weather forecast over 20 times a day all week in preparation for a game down at the stadium, all the while knowing everyone expects you to make ever kick.

“I have to tell you a little side note on that real quick, my first training camp here I was summoned over to the tent, and Mr. (Pro Football Hall of Famer Lou) Groza wanted to speak with me. I could not believe I was getting a chance to speak with Mr. Groza. He said some very nice things, and I finally had the nerve to ask a question and I said, ‘What do I do in the stadium?’ He goes, ‘You know those flags on the uprights?’ I said, ‘Yes sir.’ He goes, ‘They tell you which way the wind is blowing.’ This is going to make headlines: Mr. Groza was wrong because I can’t tell you how many times I looked at those uprights and one flag was pointing that way and one flag was pointing that way. Not every day you get to correct a Hall of Famer.

“Back to my list, when you take the field at Heinz field for a game winner and you come up short and feel like you let the entire city down. When the very next week you go to Baltimore to try another long game-winner, you see the ball bounce all over creation and you see the referee signal no good only then to reverse their call later. When you trout out onto the field in a blizzard for a 49-yard field goal attempt. When you put together a Pro Bowl season in your contract year only then to leave the only team you have ever known. When you have to start completely over at 38 and 42 years of age in this league. When stuff like this happens, you need faith. Faith and a trustworthy God who is in control. Faith that brings perspective, instead fastness so that you can continue to fight the good fight, even in the face of extreme adversity.

“The second F is my family. Do not have words. The public saw me on gameday when I was physically primed for a game. Everything I had done all week was to be ready to go on gameday. The public was able to see me in interviews or hear things I said in the paper. Those were very calculated and thoughtful answers. What my family saw was not always the same thing. They saw the struggle trying to get ready for gameday. They heard around the dinner table some of the frustrations and disappointments that I would not dare share with the public, and yet, they remain by my side through it all.

“It all starts with my beautiful wife, Shannon. Rain, sun, hot, cold, sleet or snow, she was there. Good game, bad game win or loss, made kicks or miss kicks, she was there. After 20 years of marriage where the attention has mostly been on my skillset rather than hers, she is still here. We would pull up to the stadium and she always had a random bag with her. I did not know what she was doing, and on the way in, whether it was a restroom attendant or someone that worked in the concession stand by her section, whoever, a valet attendant, she always had a gift or a kind word. I can remember our last game or what we thought might be my last game as a Brown, and we were leaving the stadium. I think more people stopped Shannon on the way out to hug her neck than they did mine. No woman I know is as beautiful, capable, selfless and deserving of recognition as my wife.

“Three kids, they kind of look different than they did six years ago, don’t they? I am going to start with Sophiann, my beautiful little daughter. I think you all know where she got it – not me. She seems like an angel, just like her momma. She is a great athlete in her own right, but it is an absolute joy to be her dad. Then my two knuckleheads over there, Dru and Beau. You all seen him grow up around here. To see them now and the fine young men they are making good choices. By the way, heck of football players. Their team went 12-1 last year and their only loss was the state championship. One of the highlights of my life was watching my boys play this past year. I could not say enough about them, I love both of them. No dad has ever been more proud of his kids than I have. I hope I made you proud. It is now your turn to write your story and to chase your dreams.

“My parents, Robert and Judy Dawson sacrificed a lot back in the day. They were there for me literally from my first kick. My brother Peter Dawson was my first ball shagger. Younger brother had to go out there and shag all day long. Some of my greatest memories were with the whole family going out with a bag of balls after practice was over because back then I was a real player and couldn’t kick during practice. I had to stay afterwards and my family would come up and make that possible. My other brother, Matt Austin, my brother from another mother, my best friend growing up; he was my first holder and the bond that we had not only remains true to this day but only gets better. My wife’s’ parents, Ken and Billy Sheppard, their council and love and support through all these years off the field has been absolutely vital.

“Finally, the third F, football. As long as I can remember, I wanted to play this game. I was thinking about it walking over here, this will be the first year since 1986 that I have not played football. Kicking chose me as I got down the road in football. I never really wanted to do it, but once it became obvious that was my future, I chose to approach the game with the same intensity and passion as any other position player. I can remember being in San Francisco after a year or two. Pat Willis, the All-Pro linebacker, probably going to be a Hall of Famer, had a quote one day that really made me realize that I have done that. He said, ‘This new kicker that we have is the hardest working guy I have ever seen.’ That meant a great deal to me, coming from Pat Willis.

“The game has given me so much. Countless lessons learned about life, such as never giving up, little things do matter and any success that you ever have you never do it alone. The good habits formed of hard work, self-discipline and preparing daily have been a benefit of this great game. The treasured relationships – players like (P) Chris Gardocki, (P) Dave Zastudil, (LS) Ryan Pontbriand, (P) Reggie Hodges, (WR) Josh Cribbs, (T) Joe Thomas, (S) Bubba Ventrone, (DE) Simon Fraser, (QB) Kelly Holcomb, (QB) Trent Dilfer, (DE) Courtney Brown, (Arizona Cardinals tight ends coach) Steve Heiden, (Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach) Doug Pederson, (Patriots TE) Ben Watson, and (LB) D’Qwell Jackson and there is many, many more. Coaches like my first ones at Lake Collins High School in Dallas, Texas. Jim Ledford and Mike Sufudoe. Still the best coaches I ever had to this day. The guy that recruited me to the greatest university in America, the University of Texas, Randy Rodgers. My second special teams coach here who became more like a dad, Jerry Rosburg. Best special teams coach in the league. Butch Davis, Romeo Crenel, Eric Mangini, Pat Shurmur, Chris Tabor, Brad Sealy, Tracy Smith and then my post-Browns days, Jim Harbaugh, Chip Kelly and a guy you all may remember, Buddy Morris. Incredible strength coach. My trusted agent and friend, Neil Cornrich, whose council has been absolutely spot on from the day I met him. My guys in the equipment room in the back, Brad (Melland), Jeff (Inderhees), Jimmy (McLaughlin) and Ms. Becky. I spent more time back there than I did in meeting rooms as you guys it does not come as any surprise. I love those guys.

“The grounds crew, Chris Powell. I used to wear his phone out a night before a game. Tell me how the field is. What height did you mow the grass? Are we tarping it tonight? What is your weather forecast showing? He was an asset I needed.

“Team Chaplin’s have always played a huge role in my experience. My first one being Randy Lambert, University of Texas. His council simply changed my life. Tom Petersburg here in Cleveland was a man of faith that I relied upon heavily and I love him dearly. My years in San Francisco, Pastor Earl was incredible to not only me but my children, as well.

“The Cleveland media, you have not aged a bit. You were fair and you did a tremendous job. I have missed you dearly in my days since I left.

“I had a group of people that helped me stay on top of things, Dr. Heather Gornick, from the Cleveland Clinic. About 10 years ago, I found out that I get blood clots too easily. The first doctor I saw said, ‘You need to be done playing.’ Dr. Gornick thought outside the box and came up with a protocol that would allow me to still play that would require two injections every day. For her to do that, she literally saved my career.

“Chris Poling was my masseuse here in Cleveland and he actually came to San Fran and Arizona to continue to put me together so I could continue to go out there Sunday after Sunday and do my job. Chiropractor Greg Kemp here with the Browns was not only a great chiropractor but a great friend of mine.

“The last treasured relationship I want to bring up is a guy who I looked up to most to my time here in Cleveland. I call him ‘The President of the Has Been Group’ – Mr. Doug Dieken – right there in the back [of the media room] where he belongs (laughter). You are a great friend, Doug.

“The game has given me memories to cherish, like beating Pittsburgh in 1999 at Three Rivers Stadium. I still swear they opened the centerfield wall to make the wind blow stronger in our face. That was my first professional game-winner, and it didn’t matter. We beat the Steelers, and that is all that did matter. Making the playoffs after the 2002 season and seeing the city come alive for the first time as a Browns. The Blizzard Bowl. The Baltimore game that I mentioned earlier. Passing Lou Groza on the all-time field goal list. Mr. Groza is the Cleveland Browns, and to be anywhere on a list with his name on it is the biggest honor you could have as a Brown.

“The entire 2012 season, my last one as a Brown, is a perfect example of the power of the Cleveland fan base. You guys who were here remember. The fans came behind me, supported me, made the Pro Bowl push, but even beyond that, every time I took the field, I could feel the confidence they had in me – probably more than I had in myself – and I was determined that I would not let them down, and it was the best season I ever had. That is a perfect example of the power of the Cleveland fans.

“The 2013 playoff run with San Francisco was truly special. We made the NFC Championship Game. I was able to experience that. I was able to make some kicks in that playoff run that helped our team move forward, and I am very grateful for that.

“I was fortunate enough to be named the MVP of two teams, and for a kicker, I consider that truly an honor. Being a team captain for three different organizations over the past 15 years, once again, being that kid who just wanted to play football and not kick, that means a great deal.

“In conclusion, now is the time to walk away. I do so contently and full of gratitude. I have simply given all I know to give to this great game that I have always wanted to play. While there are some things that I wished had gone differently, I have no regrets. I am back home here today in Cleveland, Ohio to announce that I am retiring from the National Football League. I am proudly doing so as a member of my beloved Cleveland Browns. Thank you.”

God's speed Phil you were a star in a dark dark place for many years, you were a pro thru it all. Class doesn't tell your whole story.

I found his presser enlightening and it was his talk of being lifted by the fans during his last season here that was my personnel inspiration for being and remaining a Browns fan. I vividly remember the Kardiac kids and how the fans willed that team to wins.

Its no wonder that Phil is so fond of Cleveland we the fans are inspiring like no other place in the NFL, I sure hope I get that feeling again this season and for years to come and I hope I see Phil on Euclid sooner rather then later.

j/c...

Pretty cool story about Phil Dawson from Zac Jackson....

In 1999, he scored the new franchise’s first rushing touchdown on a fake field goal. That play was one of about a dozen shown during a Dawson highlight reel that played on the TVs in the media room Friday afternoon as Dawson thanked dozens of people and became emotional at times while recalling his journey.

Dawson told a story I’d never previously heard. After that touchdown, he and punter Chris Gardocki got to live out a specialist’s dream with a choreographed celebration that included Dawson tossing the ball to Gardocki, who kicked it high into the bleachers. Both were fined $5,000 for the celebration, which was a lot of money at the time to Dawson, then a first-year player who always felt he was on a week-to-week basis with the Browns.

A couple of weeks later, Dawson said, he found an envelope in his locker. In it was $5,000 cash, which he believes came from then-owner Al Lerner.

Cool story .. I remember that play and celebration!

I mean, how awesome is that? Thanks milk!

I think Phil is one of the best kickers of all time for getting those numbers in natural weather vs a dome. I really miss that feeling of confidence when it's time for a field goal. You always knew Phil was probably going to nail it.

j/c:

What's crazy is that I remember a time when Phil took a lot of grief on the Brown's message boards. A "weak leg" was one of the big knocks. I always thought those dudes were full of crap.