Ever since Brian Dawkins signed with the Denver Broncos in March, Philadelphia Eagles fans immediately circled their calendars for December 27, his return to the City of Brotherly Love.

The city of Philadelphia has seen their fair-share of former fan favorites welcomed with open arms after returning to play with different teams. However, no player’s return with a new team may ever be as meaningful as Dawkins will be on Sunday when the Broncos take on the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field as they look to make their case for a Wild Card spot in the AFC playoffs.

For those that have followed him throughout his career, most fans that follow the NFL are aware of the type of player Dawkins is–both physically and emotionally. While players and fans fear the hard-hitting safety on the field who is known by some as Weapon X, they still respect him for the emotion he shows for his love of the game–both on and off the field.

One of the most memorable moments in his career as an Eagles came in an interview with Fox correspondent Terry Bradshaw in 2005 after the Eagles defeated the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship to reach Super Bowl.

“First off, HALLELUJAH!”

“And then, I tell you what. I’ma give all the credit to Michael Vick. We give him the most respect but nobody respected as a defense….GIVE ME SOME RESPECT RIGHT NOW!”

The roar from the crowd sent chills through the bodies of those listening to the interview. The tone of his voice expressed how passionate he was about the game and how he was not afraid to let his emotions show to those around him. Even when he was asked about his individual performance, the response by Dawkins was enough evidence to show the type of leader he was and how it wasn’t about him–but the team.

“I tell you what; I wanted to set a tone. WE wanted to set a tone as a “D”. It’s not just me. It’s the defense. It’s my line. It’s Burgess. It’s Kearse. All them boys. Trot, we came and we brought it. Every doggone play.”

So what should Dawkins and Philadelphia fans expect once Sunday afternoon rolls around? For starters, expect the same type of intensity and heart on the field from Dawkins that he provided with the Eagles for 13 years–the only difference is he’ll be doing it to keep the Broncos playoff hopes alive.

Yes, he will be emotional–but he won’t be the only one. This will be an emotional game for not only Dawkins, but the 68,000+ plus on hand at Lincoln Financial Field who cheered him on the 13 years he wore green on Sundays.

It would be no surprise if over 80 percent of the stadium showed their support for Dawkins on Sunday by wearing the beloved No. 20 jersey. Expect a handful of Eagles fans to even show their support for him by wearing No. 20 in the new blue and orange he had to adjust to this season.

Dawkins meant–and still means–a lot to the Eagles organization and their fans. As painful as it’s going to be for them to see him in a Broncos uniform Sunday, they should be somewhat thankful for the situation.

After last week’s win over the San Francisco 49ers, the Eagles are guaranteed at least a playoff spot once postseason gets under way. With the upcoming game falling under Week 16, how heartbreaking would it have been if Dawkins and the Broncos ruined the team’s chances of making the playoffs?

While the Eagles are still looking to clinch the NFC East, it’s obvious that the winner of the division will have to be decided during the final week of the regular season when the Eagles travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys. The only way the Eagles could clinch this weekend is if they win against Denver and Dallas manages to lose in Washington.

Dawkins return to Philadelphia has been one of the most highly anticipated games of the 2009 season. While it may seem weird to hear his name announced as a member of the Broncos instead of the Eagles, expect one of the biggest standing ovations ever witnessed at a Philadelphia sporting event.

He may be with a different team, but the city of Philadelphia will always show their love for Dawkins, no matter what.