Andrew Hawkins

Andrew Austin Wyatt Hawkins (born March 10, 1986) is an American football wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He has previously played for the St. Louis Rams, and the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League, where he was part of back-to-back Grey Cup Championships. He played college football for the Toledo Rockets, of the Mid-American Conference, from 2004 to 2007.

Going undrafted in 2008, Hawkins played two seasons with the Alouettes. He was a runner-up on Michael Irvin's television program, 4th and Long, before subsequently receiving his first NFL offer from the St. Louis Rams in January 2011.

Early career
After attending Bishop McCort High School in his hometown of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Hawkins chose to attend college at the University of Toledo in Ohio. He played four years for the Rockets. Over the course of four seasons, he played in 37 total games, while starting in 25. He finished his career with 67 receptions for 1,107 yards and five touchdowns. Also playing as a cornerback, he had two forced fumbles, one blocked punt, and 21 tackles. He was the first two-way player at Toledo in 48 years, as he played on both offense and defense.

Montreal Alouettes
Hawkins worked out with the Cleveland Browns after going undrafted in the 2008 draft. He was not signed to play in the NFL, instead Hawkins was out of football the entire 2008 season. He then signed with the Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes on December 5, 2008. But before his 1st CFL season in 2009, Hawkins went to compete on Michael Irvin's football reality show 4th and Long to compete for a spot on the Dallas Cowboys roster. He was named the runner-up, and then went on to play with the Alouettes for two seasons. He scored his first CFL touchdown on October 12, 2009, during a Thanksgiving Day match-up against the Calgary Stampeders. He accumulated 41 receptions, 457 yards and 5 touchdowns in two seasons for the Alouettes, as well as being a part of the back-to-back Grey Cup Championships.

4th and Long
Although technically under contract with the CFL's Montreal Alouettes, Hawkins was permitted to compete as a contestant on Michael Irvin's football reality show 4th and Long. Hawkins was a runner up, losing to fellow receiver Jesse Holley, who later received an invitation to attend the Dallas Cowboys training camp and a shot at making their roster. Hawkins was cut on the final episode along with future CFL player Ahmaad Smith.

St. Louis Rams
On January 12, 2011, Hawkins signed a contract with the NFL's St. Louis Rams. Hawkins was waived on August 1, 2011.

Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals claimed Hawkins off waivers on August 1. He debuted for the team on August 21, 2011 in week 2 of the preseason against New York Jets, catching a 15-yard pass from Dan LeFevour. Hawkins was waived during final day cuts on September 3, 2011, and re-signed to the team's practice squad the following day. Hawkins was added to the active roster after Jordan Shipley was placed on injured reserve.

Hawkins went on to make 23 receptions for 263 yards, both good for 5th among the team's receivers. He also had 5 rushes for 25 yards, and was able to convert on nine total third-down situations. His on the field performance has made Hawkins a bit of a "fan favorite" amongst Bengals fans, who refer to him as "Baby Hawk".

In the first three games of the 2012 season, Hawkins caught 12 passes, including touchdown catches of 59 and 50 yards.

Personal life
Hawkins is the younger brother of former NFL defensive back Artrell Hawkins. He is also the cousin of CFL slot back Geroy Simon, and former NFL offensive lineman Carlton Haselrig.

Hawkins appears as an extra in the George Clooney film, Ides of March.