The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, PA
Mike Mastovich
JOHNSTOWN — Like most young athletes, Artrell Hawkins Jr. spent plenty of time during his early years imagining what it would be like to compete at the highest level in his sport.
Breaking a long touchdown run.
Making the key interception or tackle.
Winning the big game.
In Hawkins’ case, he eventually lived out such scenarios at the major Division I college level and ultimately during a nine-year National Football League career as a defensive back.
“I can remember sitting in my bedroom in Prospect and daydreaming about what it would be like playing in the NFL and going out to compete against the best,” said Hawkins, a former second-round draft choice of the Cincinnati Bengals.
“That’s what I’m most appreciative about. I’ve played against the all-time greats, Jerry Rice, John Elway, Barry Sanders. I played for (former Bengals assistant coach and current Steelers defensive coordinator) Dick Lebeau. I played for (New England Patriots coach) Bill Belichick. That’s what I’m in awe of. I’m two years removed from the NFL, but sometimes I feel like, ‘How the heck did I do that for so long?’ ”
He did it long enough to earn induction into the Cambria County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2010.
Hawkins appeared in 122 NFL games, most of those during his six seasons with the Bengals.
He also played a season with the Carolina Panthers and two years with Belichick’s Patriots, one of the top contending teams in the AFC.
The 5-foot-10, 195 cornerback-safety made 510 tackles, four sacks and 11 interceptions, including a memorable 102-yard interception return for a touchdown against Houston quarterback David Carr in 2002.
“When you’re finished, you can look back on it. I have a deep appreciation for what I’ve accomplished,” said Hawkins, now a sports broadcaster who hosts his own radio show, 2 Deep Zone.
Hawkins stood out a Bishop McCort High School, where he rushed for what was a record 1,487 yards and 26 touchdowns. He also played defensive back well enough to catch the attention of the University of Cincinnati.
With the Bearcats, Hawkins made 139 tackles and four interceptions. More importantly, in 1997 he was part of a senior class that led Cincinnati to its first bowl game since 1950. The NFL’s Bengals had seen plenty of Hawkins, who played on Saturdays in the same city. The Bengals selected him in the second round with the 43rd pick of the 1998 NFL Draft.
Hawkins credited his family, faith and his hometown for providing him with a solid foundation to compete at the highest level in college and the pro game.
He joined a long line of former Johnstown area and Cambria County athletes to stand out in the NFL. Some of those included Jack Ham, Pete Duranko, Carlton Haselrig and most recently, LaRod Stephens-Howling.
“Johnstown guys work hard. They are blue-collar types of guys,” Hawkins said. “We put out quality guys. The guys that go pro, you can always count on. I’m very blessed. I feel my hometown has always been supportive of me. In turn I’ve always tried to conduct myself accordingly to try to make everyone in Johnstown proud.”
Hawkins’ latest job has him involved in football again. This time, he’s a radio broadcaster and reporter. Hawkins has interviewed some of the game’s top stars and reported on pertinent issues for 2 Deep Zone.
“Broadcasting is definitely a challenge,” Hawkins said. “The transition has been pretty smooth to this point. I take the same type of work ethic into broadcasting. It keeps me close to football and what I know best. It gives me the opportunity to extend my involvement in the game I’ve loved.”
His induction into the Cambria County Sports Hall of Fame holds special significance to Hawkins.
“It’s a super important,” he said. “I feel more honored and blessed every day to be inducted into a hall of fame with so many greats like Jack Ham and Pete Duranko. The class I’m going in with includes Jerry Davitch, who I respect so much. It’s quite an honor.”
Congratulations, Artrell! You make us proud…