National Football League

Cleveland Browns: the journey of Andrew Hawkins

Published Jun. 27, 2015 6:07 p.m. ET

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By Elias Faneuff

Andrew Hawkins was one of the most under the radar wide receivers last year in the NFL. Hawkins led the Cleveland Browns in receiving last year with 63 catches for 824 yards and two scores in 2014.

But his journey until that point was not an easy task. After spending his college years at the University of Toledo, Hawkins was ready for the next step in his life: playing for an NFL team.

He went undrafted in the 2008, but he did work out for the Cleveland Browns and failed to make the team. He then went on to play for the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League in 2009.

He ended up playing two years in Montreal, and was part of a winning team as the Alouettes won back to back Grey Cups.

While winning CFL championships were a great experience for him, Hawkins had another opportunity to make it onto an NFL roster, but in a different way. Andrew Hawkins was part of the NFL legend Michael Irvin’s reality show, 4th And Long, on Spike TV -- the winner earning a roster spot on the Dallas Cowboys.

Again, Hawkins came up short as he was the runner up, losing to fellow wide receiver Sammie Holley. 

As Hawkins failed again, another opportunity came knocking at the door. The Cincinnati Bengals signed Andrew Hawkins off waivers in 2011.

Hawkins was assigned to be a practice squad player, as it was not going to be easy to find a spot on a crowded wide receiving corp. Finally, Andrew Hawkins made it to the active roster after Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jordan Shipley went down with ACL and MCL tears in his knee.

Hawkins made the most of this opportunity as it carried into the next season in 2012. He had his best NFL season at the time with 51 catches for 533 yards and four scores.

Andrew Hawkins quickly became a fan favorite and earned the nickname “Baby Hawk” due to his small frame. In 2013, Hawkins sprained his ankle in preseason, and was unable to play till Week 9 of the NFL season.

After playing two seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Hawkins became a restricted free agent. It wasn’t long until a familiar team offered him a contract to play for them.

Yes, the Cleveland Browns offered Hawkins a contract, giving him a chance to be a starter for the team. He then signed the offer sheet after Cincinnati failed to match the offer.

It was a very smart football and financial move for Hawkins as he came to a perfect situation. He would get a great opportunity to start and get paid a lot more. He may have been counted out many times, but his determination and will helped him succeed. It shows that even at a small size, you still can achieve dreams of playing in the NFL.

Andrew Hawkins journey was a rocky one, but nevertheless a very inspiring story.

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