The Cambria County Sports Hall of Fame is all about family for former National Football League player and current digital and TV media personality Andrew Hawkins.
After all, Hawkins, 35, will join some good company from within his own family when the Class of 2020 officially is inducted on October 16 at the Pasquerilla Conference Center after two COVID-19 related postponements.
Hawkins’ older brother Artrell Hawkins Jr., a former NFL defensive back, is a member of the Class of 2010. His cousins Carlton Haselrig (1990 wrestling, 2014 football), Geroy Simon (2016 football), Jeff Richardson (1981, football) and Bruce Haselrig (2012, wrestling official) each preceded him as CCSHOF inductees.
Hawkins has helped maintain the family tradition by overcoming adversity and doubters throughout a successful career on the field at the high school, college and professional levels as well as in the broadcast and digital media platforms. His inspirational story includes Hawkins’ attaining his master’s degree from Columbia University while still playing in the NFL.
Among Hawkins’ career highlights:
- Bishop McCort High School and University of Toledo graduate — standout football player at each program.
- A member of two Grey Cup championship teams with the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League.
- Advanced to the NFL and enjoyed a six-year career from 2011 through 2016 with the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns.
- Had his best season statistically in 2014 with the Cleveland Browns, making 63 catches for 824 yards and two TDs.
- Retired while in training camp with the New England Patriots in 2017 due to injury issues.
- Made 209 career receptions for 2,419 yards and 9 touchdowns in 74 NFL games. Appeared in three NFL playoff games with the Bengals.
- At University of Toledo, caught 67 passes for 634 yards and four touchdowns, while rushing 25 times for 109 yards and a TD. Also played defense for the Rockets and had 14 tackles, including 11 solo stops, his senior season.
- Became the first University of Toledo player in 48 years to play both offense and defense. Played WR and CB.
- Earned his master’s degree in Sports Management from Columbia University while juggling his NFL career.
- Hawkins has been a commentator for NFL Network and ESPN.
- Was an executive producer of an animated short Academy Award-winning film and earned an Emmy nomination for his broadcast work.
- Appeared on NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin’s reality TV show 4th and Long. He finished runner-up on the show that had a spot in the Dallas Cowboys NFL training camp as the top prize.
- His inspiring life story is the subject of a bio-pic that was in production.
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