Dawkins' departure disappoints Eagles fans

It was freezing in South Philadelphia last night - but Eagles fans were generating plenty of heat, upset about the departure of hard-hitting safety Brian Dawkins.

"I'm very disappointed, and kind of angry," said 16-year-old Sean Savage of Lansdale.

Savage, wearing an Eagles sweatshirt, the familiar white-and-black wings on the hood, was among thousands streaming into the Wachovia Center to see the 76ers play the Orlando Magic. It seemed everyone had an opinion about the loss of Philadelphia's longest-tenured pro athlete.

The popular Dawkins, 35, signed a contract with the Denver Broncos yesterday, agreeing to what is essentially a two-year, $9.5 million deal.

"They should have kept him, because he's the heart of the team, the heart of Philly," said Leo Hasson, 47, of South Philadelphia. "I think it's terrible. It's stupid."

His son, Patrick, 9, wasn't any happier. "I don't think that's right, because he was real good," he said.

Fans heading to the basketball game were met by a cold, damp wind, and snow was predicted. But it was the exit of the seven-time Pro Bowler that left people cold.

"It's kind of tough," said Tom Purnell, 53, of New Castle, Del. "I would have liked for him to have stayed."

Sean O'Hara, 40, of Washington Township, tried to be sanguine.

"He's the heart and soul of the defense," O'Hara said. "He could lead. It's a loss in the locker room, but you've got to respect the Eagles as an organization."

Over the years, the team has made some personnel decisions that stung, letting beloved, older players leave, but those decisions have helped the Eagles become perennial playoff contenders, he said.

And with the Broncos on the Eagles' home schedule next season, what kind of reception should Dawkins expect?

"Big applause," O'Hara said. "He was loved."