Dion Dawkins: Shnow| Is related to Brian Dawkins| College| Drifting

Introduction

Dion Dawkins has cemented himself as one of the standout offensive linemen in the NFL, playing for the Buffalo Bills. Yet beyond his gridiron prowess lies a personality and life story full of interesting facets — from his nickname “Shnow,” to rumors about familial ties to NFL legend Brian Dawkins, to his college rise, and even a surprising passion for car drifting. This article explores each dimension in depth.

The Nickname “Shnow” / “Shnowman” — Origin & Meaning

One of the more curious monikers attached to Dion Dawkins is “Shnow” or “The Shnowman.” He didn’t inherit it — he coined it himself.

• Dawkins says he first adopted “Shnow” during his prep school years. He once declared the name, prompting his friends to question, “What’s shnow?” He liked their confusion, believing it would draw attention to him as a large athlete — and the name stuck.

• Over time it’s evolved into “The Shnowman” — partly as a playful persona, partly a brand.

• Dawkins embraces it in his public and social presence. It shows up in his merchandise line (e.g. Shnow Gear) and branded items like “You Already Shnow University” hoodies and hats.

• The branding also ties into his community and charity work. For instance, he hosts “Dion’s Talent Shnow”, a fundraiser and community event under his brand.

The nickname is more than a gimmick — it’s become part of his identity, helping him stand out in a world where linemen rarely get celebrity-level visibility.

Is Dion Dawkins Related to Brian Dawkins?

One of the rumors that occasionally surfaces is whether Dion Dawkins is related to Brian Dawkins, the Pro Football Hall of Famer known for his time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos.

To the best of the publicly available evidence:

• There is no credible confirmation that Dion and Brian Dawkins are related. I was unable to find a reliable source confirming any familial connection.

• The similarity in surname likely leads to casual speculation among fans, but it appears to be a coincidence.

• Dion Dawkins’s own public profiles, interviews, and biographical data do not reference any kinship with Brian Dawkins.

• Brian Dawkins himself is often associated with safety play, “Dawk” branding, etc., but that doesn’t overlap with Dion’s narrative in any confirmed way.

So, while it’s an intriguing question, the currently supported answer is: No — Dion Dawkins is not known to be related to Brian Dawkins.

If new information comes out (e.g. a family connection confirmed), that would of course change, but as of now, the two share the surname and NFL stage, but not verified family roots.

Early Life & College Years

Understanding Dion Dawkins’s path to the NFL means tracing back to his high school, prep, and college days.

High School & Pre-College

• Dion Dawkins was born on April 26, 1994, in Rahway, New Jersey.

• He attended Rahway High School in New Jersey.

• In his high school / prep years, the “Shnow” nickname emerged (as discussed above).

• Initially, Dion had committed to the University of Cincinnati, but in January 2013 he signed with Temple University.

Temple University (2013–2016)

Dion’s college career at Temple was foundational to his NFL prospects.

• He played for the Temple Owls from 2013 to 2016.

• Over his four-year span, he started 41 of 44 games — showing both durability and trust from coaches.

• In his senior season, he earned First-team All-American Athletic Conference (AAC) honors.

• His performance against top competition helped put him on the NFL radar.

This combination of consistency, physical traits, and college accolades paved the way for his professional prospects.

Professional Career & Impact

Though you didn’t explicitly ask for a full pro career section, it helps contextualize his present opportunities, especially to tie to his other interests (like drifting). Briefly:

• Dawkins was drafted in the 2nd round (63rd overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.

• Since then, he’s been a steady presence at left tackle, earning multiple Pro Bowl nods (2021–2024).

• Off the field, Dawkins is known for his community engagement and charitable work, winning honors including Walter Payton Man of the Year nominations.

His on-field success gives credibility and reach to his off-field brand, including the “Shnow” identity and side endeavors like motorsports.

The Surprising Hobby: Drifting & Motorsports

Perhaps the most unexpected dimension of Dion Dawkins’s life is his interest in drifting — a motorsport where drivers intentionally oversteer to maintain a controlled slide through turns.

Evidence & Public Mentions of Drifting

• Dawkins has publicly shown off his drifting skills in media appearances and social content.

• In a post, it was mentioned he has a drifting track or space for practicing drifting.

• A quote attributed to him: when asked “Mika Parsons or drifting?” he answered “Drifting. Hands down.” Indicating his strong preference and commitment to the sport.

• A media post states:

  “The 6-foot-4, 330-plus pound offensive lineman revealed that he likes to spend his free time driving drift cars…”

Thus, alongside his life as a pro football athlete, Dawkins pursues an adrenaline outlet in car control, speed, and technical driving.

Why Drifting Makes Sense for Him

On the surface, drifting and football might not seem related. But there are attributes in common:

1. Athletic control & spatial awareness
   Football demands awareness of motion, angles, and space — drifting similarly demands precise control, quick reaction, and ability to judge speed, angle, and trajectory.

2. Risk & adrenaline
   For many athletes, high-intensity sports give them a thrill. Drifting allows Dawkins to channel adrenaline in a different domain from contact sports.

3. Brand crossover potential
   The uniqueness of a big NFL lineman who drifts can create media attention, cross-promotional branding, and personal storytelling that differentiates him.

4. Off-field balance & fun
   Having a hobby like drifting may offer a mental break from the rigors of training, games, and public expectations.

Challenges & Practicalities

Of course, drifting is not trivial or without risk, especially for someone whose primary career depends on physical health. Some practical considerations:

• Cost & resources: Drift cars, maintenance, tires, track time — all are expensive.

• Scheduling: NFL commitments, training, travel, recovery — carving out time for drifting is nontrivial.

• Injury risk: Accidents could potentially lead to injuries impacting his football career, so prudence is essential.

• Public scrutiny: As a public figure, any mishap on or off the track could attract media attention or criticism.

Still, Dawkins seems to approach drifting with seriousness, not as a mere gimmick — he practices, shows off, and is proud of it.

Synthesizing the Threads: Shnow, Football, & Drifting

How do all these pieces — his nickname, college path, NFL success, and motorsport interest — cohere into a holistic picture of Dion Dawkins?

1. Identity & Branding (Shnow)
   The “Shnowman” persona gives him a memorable identity, beyond just being “number 73, offensive tackle.” This helps public recognition and branding. Merchandise lines like Shnow Gear confirm that the branding isn’t passive — it’s part of his enterprise.

2. Credibility from football success
   Without a strong NFL performance foundation, his drifting hobby would be a curious footnote. But because he is respected on the field (multiple Pro Bowls, consistent starts), his off-field ventures carry more weight.

3. Diversifying his personal narrative
   Many pro athletes do charity work; many do endorsements. But fewer do something as niche as drifting. That helps him stand out in interviews, fan culture, social media, and local communities.

4. Integrating philanthropy & personality
   The way Dawkins uses his brand for charitable causes (Talent Shnow, community giving) shows he is trying to blend showmanship with responsibility.

So, his trajectory isn’t just “football → hobby,” but a deliberate weaving of brand, identity, performance, and creative outlets.

Addressing Common Questions / Rumors

Here are some frequently asked (or rumored) points, clarified:

What This Means for His Future

Considering all of the above, what might Dion Dawkins’s future look like — both in football and beyond?

1. Continued on-field performance
   If he maintains physical health and consistency, there’s no reason he can’t remain a top-tier offensive tackle for several more seasons.

2. Brand & business growth
   The “Shnow” brand could expand — more merchandise, collaborations, possibly even media or entertainment content (e.g. a drifting-focused show or partnership with motorsports brands).

3. Crossover into motorsports
   If he invests more seriously in drifting, we might see Dawkins participating in organized drift events, contests, or exhibitions. He could use his fame to promote such events.

4. Philanthropic legacy
   His brand-driven charity initiatives (Talent Shnow, community giving) may grow more ambitious and structured, possibly beyond just local events.

5. Post-football avenues
   Given his persona, he may transition into media hosting, motivational speaking, or even automotive business ventures after his playing days.

Conclusion

Dion Dawkins is more than just a strong offensive lineman — he’s a personality, a brand, and a man with diverse interests. From coining “Shnow” and building that into a visible brand, to excelling in college and the NFL, to pursuing the unexpected world of drifting, he defies simple categorization.

While speculation about him being related to Brian Dawkins persists, no public evidence supports it. Instead, his identity is self-made, combining performance, showmanship, and community.