One of the most defining players in Philadelphia Eagles history is not defined by the game he dominated. Brian Dawkins shared his story at The Parkesburg Point youth center on Friday, the Daily Local News reported.

“Football is not what defines me. God is what defines me,” Dawkins said in the article. “I’m not a religious person. I’m not about religion; I’m about relationship. I have a relationship with God.”

That relationship, and the relationship with his wife, have been the defining aspects of his life, he said.

And they empowered him to be the man he was on the field. Drafted in 1996, Dawkins’ performance allowed him to play in the Pro Bowl nine times during his 16-season career. His No. 20 is one of the few numbers officially retired by the Eagles, and Dawkins is a 2017 candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“Brian Dawkins is relentless on the field, and his character off the field inspires us,” said The Point Executive Director Dwayne Walton in the article.

Read more about Dawkins’ visit to Chester County and other highlights of his playing days in the Daily Local News here.