“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 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.”
“He’s obviously one of the all-time great Browns. I loved his professionalism and the big-game mentality that he always had. Just a true professional both on and off the field. I’m so happy for him. There’s a reason we called him ‘Iron Leg’ -- the guy could kick forever and never miss. He’s the best.”
“When I arrived in Cleveland in 2001, the thing that struck me most about Phil Dawson was his passion to improve as a football player. We worked together to perfect his technique through practice, film study and open dialogue. He helped me as much as I helped him. His knowledge of special teams – not just kicking – and his situational awareness, was second to none.
“It is my belief that Phil Dawson is one of the greatest kickers this league has ever seen, and one of the best Cleveland Browns players in the history of the franchise. For him to become one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, while playing in some of the most adverse field and weather conditions is a testament to his skill, toughness and work ethic. He was also a pioneer in implementing specialty kickoffs; this a largely unknown and underrated part of his game.
“During our time together and in subsequent years, I have been a witness to Phil in action as a Hall of Fame husband and father. With his wonderfully talented wife, Shannon, and their three beautiful children Dru, Beau and Sophiann, they truly are a fabulous family.
“This is a great man. He has enriched my life. I am blessed to call him ‘friend.’”
“Phil Dawson is the type of player every organization hopes to find, every coach hopes to work with and every parent hopes their children model themselves after. Each season he was the example of consistency as a player, teammate and person. His drive to constantly find a way to improve personally was only overshadowed by his selflessness and willingness to help his teammates and team. It is rare for the kicker to have a notebook that rivaled the quarterback, but Phil wanted to understand all aspects of his profession and be the most complete player possible. It is fitting that Phil scored the first points for the returning Browns because he is the type of player Browns fans deserve to cheer for. I am thankful and proud to have had a chance to be his coach, and am excited about the amazing things he will do after football.”
“Phil Dawson is synonymous with some of my favorite moments as a Cleveland Brown. From him hitting the stanchion on the goalpost in Baltimore to the Snow Bowl game in Cleveland where he made two field goals in 40 mile winds and blizzard conditions. He was the definition of a professional. I always admired the way he went about his business. He is a true class act and a great teammate, friend and family man.”
“Congratulations to Phil Dawson on an outstanding 21-year career in the NFL. Phil was an exceptional player to coach, a tremendous teammate and an even better man, both on and off the field. He was a tireless worker who had amazing success in this league while also making a positive impact on everyone he was around. I wish him, his wife Shannon, and their three kids all the best moving forward into the next stage of their lives.”
“Phil and I came in together in 1999. He was a phenomenal teammate and a true pro. My rookie year, he won the Steelers game for us on a last-second field goal as time expired. I knew at that point that if the game was on the line, and we had the ball and needed a field goal to win it, if I could just get Phil in range, he was going to be automatic. He was as clutch as they come. He made so many pressure kicks and won a bunch of games for us. It was an honor to call him a teammate for five seasons.”
“Phil Dawson was a pro. I appreciated everything about how he approached the game. He was more than just an outstanding kicker, he was an outstanding football player, and an even better person.”
“Phil Dawson was the definition of a professional. Throughout his career, Phil was a hard worker that was always trying to improve at his craft. He was a great teammate and extremely coachable. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have coached some of the best kickers in the history of the NFL, and Phil is on that list.”
“I remember the first time I met Phil was when he came to the Browns as an undrafted rookie trying to make the spot on the expansion team as a kicker. What a long way he has come. He showed in that time how disciplined, how mentally strong he was and how much he worked at his craft. It is not ever easy to kick in Cleveland and he was so proficient at that and did it for so long. I have nothing but great respect for him and how his career has progressed. To me, he is one of the best kickers ever in the history of the league and that is a tremendous tribute to his work ethic and how he handled his business.”
“My nickname for Phil was ‘Old Faithful.’ We never had to look and worry about if he was going to make it. When it counted, he always came through. He literally won games for us and many times was the only opportunity for us to score. When our offense struggled, me and Phil had a pact. I would get us close enough and he would knock it down.”
“Phil Dawson is a name that will forever be mentioned with the Cleveland Browns legends. He taught me not only how to be a better player, but more importantly how to be a better person. Cheers to you, Phil.”