Bill Hawkins (American football)
Encyclopedia
William E. Hawkins is a former professional
American football
defensive end
who played four seasons for the Los Angeles Rams
in the National Football League
and was an All-American at the University of Miami
.
, (Florida
), in 1983. His 3.85 GPA was the highest on the football
team.
at the University of Miami
at defensive end. redshirted
in 1984 and as a fresman, in 1985, he was a backup and recorded 10 tackles
. As a sophomore he moved into the starting lineup and had 62 tackles (10 for a loss) and 7 sacks
.
In 1987, as a junior he recorded 84 tackles with 14 of them going for a loss to go with his 6.5 sacks.
In 1988, as a senior Hawkins was a First-team All-American
selection by the Walter Camp Foundation and the AFCA
. He was a Second-team All-American selection by the AP
, UPI
and Sporting News. In 1988 Hawkins tallied 67 tackes (18 for a loss) and 7.5 sacks. He was also a finalist for the Lombardi Award
. His coach, Jimmy Johnson
called him, "the most consistent lineman he ever coached." While at the "U" Hawkins earned a degree in Finance, with a B average.
In his four years at Miami the Hurricanes had a 44-4 win-loss record and Hawkins played in four "New Years' Day" bowl games: a January 1, 1986, 35-7 loss to the University of Tennessee
in the Sugar Bowl
; a January 2, 1987, 14-10 loss to Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl
; a 20-14 win over the University of Oklahoma
in the Orange Bowl on January 1, 1988, and a 23-3 win over the University of Nebraska on January 2, 1989 in the Orange Bowl. The Hurricanes were National Champions after the 1987 season and the victory over Oklahoma
.
Hawkins is a member of the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame.
. Had a "superb showing" at the combine. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.73. Was described as a "Polished player with 5 years experience on one of nation's top teams. Very intelligent. Positive influence on teammates. Type of lineman who would adapt well to the many adjustments." Was reported to have good quickness and leaping ability along with a good "closing burst" and "good upper-body strength and runs well for a big guy"
and was the 5th defensive end chosen, behind Burt Grossman
(San Diego Chargers
), Trace Armstrong
(Chicago Bears
), Jeff Lageman
(New York Jets
), and Wayne Martin
(New Orleans Saints
). Rams Coach John Robinson
stated, "Bill is the kind of player that can develop into a big-time pass rusher, the kind of player we've talked about getting but could not find".
After a prolonged holdout Hawkins signed a reported four-year, $1.9-million contract that included a $750,000 signing bonus on August 18, 1989.
He played in 13 games, starting 1, as a rookie and was voted All-Rookie despite missing the final three games with a left knee injury. Finished season with 11 tackles with a high of 6 against the Dallas Cowboys on December 3, 1989. He also forced a fumble
that was recovered by teammate Larry Kelm
securing the 35-31 win.
In 1990 Hawkins played in 15 games without a start. He was slow to recover from his knee injury which ended his 1989 season
. He played mostly defensive tackle in the Rams "Eagle" defense, which was a pass rush scheme. In that role Hawkins made 9 tackles and 3 sacks, with 2 of the sacks coming against the Atlanta Falcons
on December 23, 1990. He also batted away two passes in 1990. Hawkins also began pursuing a law degree
in 1990.
Injuries and an incompatible defensive style reduced contributions in his first two seasons. "Bill is consistently improving," coach John Robinson said of Hawkins. "He came into (1991) camp really light. We hope he gains weight. His improvement has been very gradual". Hawkins was on injured reserve
for 10 games in 1991 and played in only six games as a backup defensive end in the Rams new 4-3 pressure defensive scheme (installed by new defensive coordinator
Jeff Fisher
), recording 4 tackles for the season and one fumble recovery. Back and rib injuries were the reasons Hawkins missed time in 1991.
With the arrival of new Head Coach
Chuck Knox
and yet a new defensive scheme Hawkins earned the starting right defensive end spot. Despite suffering a torn calf muscle on August 6, 1992, Hawkins held the starting job for the first half of the season until he injured his knee on November 8, 1992, which ended his season. An MRI revealed he suffered damage to the anterior cruciate ligament
in his right knee and underwent major reconstructive surgery. In 1992, in 8 games (7 starts), Hawkins recorded 15 tackles and 2 sacks and batted down 2 passes.
He attempted to come back from knee surgery in 1993 but failed to make the team. On April 27, 1993, he signed a new contract (he was a free agent
) but during training camp he was cut. Due to injuries to other Rams defensive linemen he was activated on August 25, 1993. Hawkins participated in his first practice since undergoing knee surgery in November, 1992, and said his knee felt "pretty good." However, Hawkins' career, ended on August 31, 1993, when Chuck Knox informed him that his services were no longer required.
Professional sports
Professional sports, as opposed to amateur sports, are sports in which athletes receive payment for their performance. Professional athleticism has come to the fore through a combination of developments. Mass media and increased leisure have brought larger audiences, so that sports organizations...
American football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
defensive end
Defensive end
Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
who played four seasons for the Los Angeles Rams
St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
and was an All-American at the University of Miami
University of Miami
The University of Miami is a private, non-sectarian university founded in 1925 with its main campus in Coral Gables, Florida, a medical campus in Miami city proper at Civic Center, and an oceanographic research facility on Virginia Key., the university currently enrolls 15,629 students in 12...
.
High school
Hawkins was an All-State selection and Second-Team All-American at South Broward High SchoolSouth Broward High School
South Broward High School is a Marine Science Magnet school located in the Royal Poinciana neighborhood of Hollywood, Florida. The school is a part of the Broward County Public Schools district....
, (Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
), in 1983. His 3.85 GPA was the highest on the football
High school football
High school football, in North America, refers to the game of football as it is played in the United States and Canada. It ranks among the most popular interscholastic sports in both of these nations....
team.
College
Hawkins was a 3-year starterStarting lineup
A starting lineup in sports is an official list of the set of players who will actively participate in the event when the game begins. The players in the starting lineup are commonly referred to as starters, whereas the others are substitutes or bench players.The starters are commonly the best...
at the University of Miami
Miami Hurricanes football
The Miami Hurricanes football program competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference of the NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision for the University of Miami. The program began in 1926 and has won five AP national championships...
at defensive end. redshirted
Redshirt (college sports)
Redshirt is a term used in American college athletics that refers to a delay or suspension of an athlete's participation in order to lengthen his or her period of eligibility...
in 1984 and as a fresman, in 1985, he was a backup and recorded 10 tackles
Tackle (football move)
Most forms of football have a move known as a tackle. The primary purposes of tackling is to disposses an opponent of the ball, to stop the player from gaining ground towards goal or to stop them from carrying out what they intend....
. As a sophomore he moved into the starting lineup and had 62 tackles (10 for a loss) and 7 sacks
Quarterback sack
In American football and Canadian football, a sack occurs when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage before he can throw a forward pass, or when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage in the "pocket" and the intent of what he was going to do is unclear...
.
In 1987, as a junior he recorded 84 tackles with 14 of them going for a loss to go with his 6.5 sacks.
In 1988, as a senior Hawkins was a First-team All-American
1988 College Football All-America Team
The 1988 College Football All-America team is composed of various organizations that choose College All-America teams that season. The organizations that chose the teams were Associated Press, United Press International, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Football Writers Association of America,...
selection by the Walter Camp Foundation and the AFCA
American Football Coaches Association
The American Football Coaches Association is an association of over 11,000 football coaches and staff on all levels. According to its constitution, some of the main goals of the American Football Coaches Association are to "maintain the highest possible standards in football and the profession of...
. He was a Second-team All-American selection by the AP
Associated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
, UPI
United Press International
United Press International is a once-major international news agency, whose newswires, photo, news film and audio services provided news material to thousands of newspapers, magazines and radio and television stations for most of the twentieth century...
and Sporting News. In 1988 Hawkins tallied 67 tackes (18 for a loss) and 7.5 sacks. He was also a finalist for the Lombardi Award
Lombardi Award
The Rotary Lombardi Award is awarded annually to the best college football lineman or linebacker. The Lombardi Award program was approved by the Rotary Club in Houston in 1970 shortly after the death of Vince Lombardi. The committee outlined the criteria for eligibility for the award, which...
. His coach, Jimmy Johnson
Jimmy Johnson (American football coach)
James William "Jimmy" Johnson is an American former NCAA and National Football League head coach. As of 2010, he is currently an analyst for Fox NFL Sunday, the Fox network's NFL pregame show. He was the first football coach whose teams won both an NCAA Division 1A National Championship and a...
called him, "the most consistent lineman he ever coached." While at the "U" Hawkins earned a degree in Finance, with a B average.
In his four years at Miami the Hurricanes had a 44-4 win-loss record and Hawkins played in four "New Years' Day" bowl games: a January 1, 1986, 35-7 loss to the University of Tennessee
University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee is a public land-grant university headquartered at Knoxville, Tennessee, United States...
in the Sugar Bowl
Sugar Bowl
The Sugar Bowl is an annual American college football bowl game played in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Sugar Bowl has been played annually since January 1, 1935, and celebrated its 75th anniversary on January 2, 2009...
; a January 2, 1987, 14-10 loss to Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl
Fiesta Bowl
The Fiesta Bowl, now sponsored by Frito-Lay and named with their Tostitos brand, is a United States college football bowl game played annually at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Between its origination in 1971 and 2006, the game was hosted in Tempe, Arizona at Sun Devil...
; a 20-14 win over the University of Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma is a coeducational public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. Founded in 1890, it existed in Oklahoma Territory near Indian Territory for 17 years before the two became the state of Oklahoma. the university had 29,931 students enrolled, most located at its...
in the Orange Bowl on January 1, 1988, and a 23-3 win over the University of Nebraska on January 2, 1989 in the Orange Bowl. The Hurricanes were National Champions after the 1987 season and the victory over Oklahoma
Oklahoma Sooners football
The Oklahoma Sooners football program is a college football team that represents the University of Oklahoma . The team is currently a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association...
.
Hawkins is a member of the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame.
Pre-draft
Hawkins measured 6'5½" and 260 pounds at the NFL CombineNFL Combine
The National Invitational Camp or NFL Scouting Combine, as it is more widely known, is a week-long showcase, occurring every February in Indianapolis, Indiana's Lucas Oil Stadium , where college football players perform physical and mental tests in front of National Football League coaches, general...
. Had a "superb showing" at the combine. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.73. Was described as a "Polished player with 5 years experience on one of nation's top teams. Very intelligent. Positive influence on teammates. Type of lineman who would adapt well to the many adjustments." Was reported to have good quickness and leaping ability along with a good "closing burst" and "good upper-body strength and runs well for a big guy"
Los Angeles Rams
Hawkins was the 21st selection in the 1st round of the 1989 NFL Draft1989 NFL Draft
The 1989 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 23–24 , 1989...
and was the 5th defensive end chosen, behind Burt Grossman
Burt Grossman
Burt L. Grossman is a former American football defensive end in the National Football League. Before becoming a professional, Grossman played college football at the University of Pittsburgh where he was a three time All-ECAC selection. In 1989 he was drafted by the San Diego Chargers...
(San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
), Trace Armstrong
Trace Armstrong
Raymond Lester "Trace" Armstrong, III is a former American college and professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League for fifteen seasons from the late 1980s to the early 2000s...
(Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
), Jeff Lageman
Jeff Lageman
Jeffrey David Lageman , is a former American football player and current sports commentator. He played college football for the University of Virginia Cavaliers and was signed as a defensive end by the New York Jets of the National Football League in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft...
(New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
), and Wayne Martin
Wayne Martin (American football)
Gerald Wayne Martin is a former American football defensive lineman who played eleven seasons in the National Football League for the New Orleans Saints from 1989 to 1999....
(New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
). Rams Coach John Robinson
John Robinson (football coach)
John Alexander Robinson is a former American football player and coach best known for his two stints as head coach of the University of Southern California football team and for his tenure as head coach of the NFL's Los Angeles Rams...
stated, "Bill is the kind of player that can develop into a big-time pass rusher, the kind of player we've talked about getting but could not find".
After a prolonged holdout Hawkins signed a reported four-year, $1.9-million contract that included a $750,000 signing bonus on August 18, 1989.
He played in 13 games, starting 1, as a rookie and was voted All-Rookie despite missing the final three games with a left knee injury. Finished season with 11 tackles with a high of 6 against the Dallas Cowboys on December 3, 1989. He also forced a fumble
Fumble
A fumble in American and Canadian football occurs when a player, who has possession and control of the ball loses it before being downed or scoring. By rule, it is any act other than passing, kicking or successful handing that results in loss of player possession...
that was recovered by teammate Larry Kelm
Larry Kelm
Larry Dean Kelm is a former professional American football player who played linebacker for seven seasons for the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers....
securing the 35-31 win.
In 1990 Hawkins played in 15 games without a start. He was slow to recover from his knee injury which ended his 1989 season
1989 Los Angeles Rams season
The 1989 Los Angeles Rams season was the team's 52nd year with the National Football League and the 44th season in Los Angeles.-NFL Draft:-Regular season:In week 16, Jerry Gray returned an interception 27 yards for a touchdown...
. He played mostly defensive tackle in the Rams "Eagle" defense, which was a pass rush scheme. In that role Hawkins made 9 tackles and 3 sacks, with 2 of the sacks coming against the Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
on December 23, 1990. He also batted away two passes in 1990. Hawkins also began pursuing a law degree
Law degree
A Law degree is an academic degree conferred for studies in law. Such degrees are generally preparation for legal careers; but while their curricula may be reviewed by legal authority, they do not themselves confer a license...
in 1990.
Injuries and an incompatible defensive style reduced contributions in his first two seasons. "Bill is consistently improving," coach John Robinson said of Hawkins. "He came into (1991) camp really light. We hope he gains weight. His improvement has been very gradual". Hawkins was on injured reserve
Injured reserve
The injured reserve list is a list of reserved players who are injured and unable to play for a period of time, used most prominently in the National Hockey League and National Football League . It is used because these leagues have a maximum number of players on the team roster, so placing a...
for 10 games in 1991 and played in only six games as a backup defensive end in the Rams new 4-3 pressure defensive scheme (installed by new defensive coordinator
Defensive coordinator
A defensive coordinator typically refers to a coach on a gridiron football team who is in charge of the defense. Generally, along with his offensive counterpart, he represents the second level of command structure after the head coach...
Jeff Fisher
Jeff Fisher
Jeffrey Michael "Jeff" Fisher is the former head coach of the Tennessee Titans of the NFL. He has a 146-120 career record as an NFL head coach.-Early life:...
), recording 4 tackles for the season and one fumble recovery. Back and rib injuries were the reasons Hawkins missed time in 1991.
With the arrival of new Head Coach
Head coach
A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches...
Chuck Knox
Chuck Knox
Charles Robert "Chuck" Knox is a former American football coach at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. He is best remembered as head coach of three National Football League teams, the Seattle Seahawks, the Buffalo Bills, and the Los Angeles Rams, serving two separate stints with...
and yet a new defensive scheme Hawkins earned the starting right defensive end spot. Despite suffering a torn calf muscle on August 6, 1992, Hawkins held the starting job for the first half of the season until he injured his knee on November 8, 1992, which ended his season. An MRI revealed he suffered damage to the anterior cruciate ligament
Anterior cruciate ligament
The anterior cruciate ligament is a cruciate ligament which is one of the four major ligaments of the human knee. In the quadruped stifle , based on its anatomical position, it is referred to as the cranial cruciate ligament.The ACL originates from deep within the notch of the distal femur...
in his right knee and underwent major reconstructive surgery. In 1992, in 8 games (7 starts), Hawkins recorded 15 tackles and 2 sacks and batted down 2 passes.
He attempted to come back from knee surgery in 1993 but failed to make the team. On April 27, 1993, he signed a new contract (he was a free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
) but during training camp he was cut. Due to injuries to other Rams defensive linemen he was activated on August 25, 1993. Hawkins participated in his first practice since undergoing knee surgery in November, 1992, and said his knee felt "pretty good." However, Hawkins' career, ended on August 31, 1993, when Chuck Knox informed him that his services were no longer required.