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NFL requests DHS remove video of Brian Dawkins used in border security post
The National Football League (NFL) has formally requested that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remove a video from social media featuring retired Hall of Fame safety Brian Dawkins. The video, posted to X on Sunday, used a montage of Dawkins’ career highlights and his intense pregame ritual to respond to reports of a migrant caravan approaching the U.S. southern border.
The DHS captioned the video “Our time has come” and later added a still image of Dawkins with the caption “The Border Is Closed.” In a statement, DHS spokesperson Chandler Rebel noted the agency is “playing lockdown defense at the border” and will use every “Weapon at our disposal, from A to X,” a reference to Dawkins’ nickname, “Weapon X.”
Both the NFL and Dawkins have stated that permission was not granted for the use of his name, image, or likeness. Dawkins clarified on social media that he has not authorized anyone outside of his current business partners to use his NIL. The incident marks a rare public dispute between the NFL and a federal agency regarding the use of intellectual property and athlete likenesses in a political context.
Entities
Brian Dawkins · Department of Homeland Security · Donald Trump · Markwayne Mullin · National Football League · Philadelphia Eagles
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The NFL has requested that the Department of Homeland Security remove a video featuring former player Brian Dawkins. forbesliberia.com · trinidadtribune.com · www.latimes.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The U.S. Border Patrol is tracking a migrant caravan that departed San Pedro Sula, Honduras, on September 20, 2026. www.latimes.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The DHS defended the use of the video by referencing Dawkins’ nickname, ‘Weapon X’, stating they use every weapon to keep Americans safe. forbesliberia.com · www.latimes.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Brian Dawkins stated he did not give permission for the DHS to use his video. www.latimes.com