NFL Demands Removal of DHS Video Using Brian Dawkins for Border Security Ad

Department of Homeland Security Post Sparks Dispute

The controversy began on a Sunday when the Department of Homeland Security published a clip on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The post featured archival footage of Brian Dawkins running onto the field during his playing career alongside his signature introduction phrase, “The time has come,” followed by several hard-hitting tackles.

The federal agency accompanied the video with the caption “Our time has come,” framing the content around news reports concerning a migrant caravan traveling toward the U.S. border. The post immediately drew attention across both sports and political spheres due to the prominent use of copyrighted league media and a legendary sports figure without authorization.

NFL and Franchise Response to Unauthorized Footage

League officials moved quickly to address the unauthorized usage. NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy confirmed that the organization formally instructed the federal agency to remove the video from its channels, stating that no permission had been granted for the deployment of league-owned footage.

The Philadelphia Eagles, the franchise where Dawkins spent the vast majority of his storied 16-year NFL career, also withheld any approval for the clips. Adding local context to the organizational stance, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie is a known public critic of Donald Trump.

Dawkins himself broke his silence regarding the post, making his position clear to the public. The former safety posted on X to state that he had not granted permission to anyone outside of his current business partners to utilize his name, likeness, or personal brand.

Federal Agency Stands Ground on Border Defense Analogy

Despite the formal demands for removal from the league office and public distancing by the player, the Department of Homeland Security did not take down the post or issue an immediate compliance response. Instead, the agency doubled down on its messaging through a public statement.

The DHS asserted that its personnel are playing “Lockdown Defense” at the border and stated that the department will utilize “every weapon from A to X” to protect American citizens—a direct play on Dawkins’ famous playing nickname, “Weapon X.”

Legacy of a Defensive Icon

Brian Dawkins remains widely regarded as one of the fiercest and most effective defensive backs in NFL history. Over his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, the now 52-year-old earned nine Pro Bowl selections, multiple All-Pro honors, and earned induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.