Brian Dawkins delivers powerful message about depression in Hall of Fame speech

Newly enshrined Pro Football Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins delivered a powerful message to individuals suffering from depression during his 22-minute speech that felt more like a sermon Saturday night.

“There’s hope. There is something on the other side of this. Don’t stay where you are. Keep moving. Keep pushing through,” Dawkins said in one of the most moving moments of Saturday’s ceremony.

Dawkins revealed in interviews earlier this week that he suffered from depression early in his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, and battled suicidal thoughts to the point that he considered how he could end his life so that his family would still collect his life insurance.

He elaborated in his Hall of Fame speech, thanking former Eagles assistant coach Emmitt Thomas — “Uncle Emmitt,” Dawkins called him — and his wife, Connie, his high school sweetheart, for saving his life.

He thanked Connie for urging him to see a psychologist and to be more open about his mental health issues, and urging him “not to settle.” As a thank you, Dawkins surprised his with a gold lace veil during his speech, her own version of a gold jacket.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

MORE HALL OF FAME:

• Ray Lewis embarrasses his kids during HOF speech
• Moss makes subtle, but important message at HOF
• T.O. blasts media-controlled HOF election process
• Former coach to T.O.: 'Wish you were here' at HOF

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Lindsay Jones on Twitter @bylindsayhjones.

If you love talking football, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our new Facebook Group, The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders.