Denver Broncos safety Brian Dawkins expects to play in the 2012 NFL Pro Bowl despite missing the playoffs while dealing with a neck injury, according to Vic Lombardi of CBS4 in Denver. Dawkins told Lombardi that he will play in the Pro Bowl in spite of his neck issues, although he's still unsure of whether he'll continue to play next season or retire.
Dawkins, 38, appeared in 14 games for Denver in 2011, including 12 starts. He played well for most of the season, recording 38 tackles and three sacks, but he couldn't finish strong down the stretch as the injuries impacted his play. After missing both of Denver's playoff games, though, it appears that he doesn't want his season to end due to the injuries.
The safety's contract runs through 2013, but there's a general expectation that Dawkins could retire this offseason. He's already one of the older players in the entire league as he nears age 40, and the injuries may be too much to handle for a guy that's been in the league since 1996.
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