Dawkins, Owens named finalists for 2018 Hall of Fame

By: Jesse Larch, Sports Talk Philly editor 

There are 20 players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame that have worn an Eagles uniform, and now two former Eagles have taken a step towards joining that prestigious list. 

Free safety Brian Dawkins and wide receiver Terrell Owens both have been selected as finalists for the 2018 Hall of Fame ballot:

Congratulations to Brian Dawkins and Terrell Owens, named finalists for the @ProFootballHOF Class of 2018! #PFHOF18

📰: https://t.co/Hlp2j5cbuK#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/6fA25fQFsU

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 3, 2018

Dawkins ranks sixth in Eagles history in tackles, sixth in fumble recoveries, second in passes defensed, second in interceptions, and first in forced fumbles. Dawkins amassed 1131 tackles, 26 sacks, 37 interceptions, and 36 forced fumbles in his 16-year NFL career. 

Dawkins was selected to nine pro bowls, four times as a first team all-pro, two times as a second team all-pro, the NFL's all-decade team for the 2000s, the Eagles 75th anniversary team, and had his number 20 retired by the Eagles in 2012. Dawkins currently serves as the Eagles' Executive of Football Operations for Player Development.

Owens ranks eighth in NFL history in receptions, third in receiving touchdowns, and second in receiving yards. Owens was selected to the pro bowl six times, was named a first team all-pro five times, led the NFL in receiving touchdowns three times, and was named to the NFL's all-decade second team for the 2000s.

Owens played one season with the Eagles. In that season both Dawkins and Owens appeared in Super Bowl XXXIX for the Eagles. 

Dawkins and Owens both were eligible for last year's Hall of Fame class but were not selected to be enshrined. This year's list of nominees includes linebackers Brian Urlacher and Ray Lewis, wide receivers Randy Moss and Isaac Bruce, safety John Lynch, and running back Edgerrin James among others.