Accomplishments
- Bishop McCort High School and University of Toledo graduate and standout football player at the programs.
- A member of two Grey Cup championship teams with the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League.
- Moved on 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.
- 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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