Joe Hawley

Joseph Kelly Hawley (born October 22, 1988) is a former American football center who played for the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Falcons with the 117th pick in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He retired after becoming a free agent in March 2018.

For the American musician of the same name, see Tally Hall (band).

Joe Hawley
refer to caption
Hawley with the Atlanta Falcons in 2013
No. 61, 68
Position:Center
Personal information
Born: (1988-10-22) October 22, 1988
Bakersfield, California, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:302 lb (137 kg)
Career information
High school:Anaheim (CA) Esperanza
College:UNLV
NFL Draft:2010 / Round: 4 / Pick: 117
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Games played:91
Games started:54
Player stats at NFL.com

Early years

Hawley attended Esperanza High School in Anaheim, California. He began playing football as a freshman,[1] and in his senior year, was named MVP and Male Athlete of the Year. He was a three-year letter winner and received Prep Star All West Region Honors. He was regarded as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com.[2]

Hawley recorded a school record 48 decleats as the Aztecs racked up an astounding 5,535 yards rushing, 7th most in California history, en route to the Division 1 CIF Championship game in 2005. He played in the Cali-Florida Bowl and the Orange County and LA Shriners All-Star games in 2006. Joe was Sunset League Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2004 and 2005; All-State Underclass, CalHiSports in 2004; All-State, First-team, CalHiSports in 2005; LA Times All-Star, First-team, in 2004 and 2005; All-Orange County, First-team, OC Register in 2004 and 2005; All-CIF Southern Section, All Divisions, First-team in 2005; and, All-CIF Southern Section, Division 1, First-team in 2004 and 2005.

Professional career

Atlanta Falcons

Hawley was drafted in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.[3][4] On September 7, 2015, he was released by the Falcons.[5]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On September 14, 2015, Hawley was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[6]

On March 15, 2017, Hawley signed a two-year contract with the Buccaneers.[7] During 2017, the team moved Ali Marpet to center from his original guard position, replacing Hawley.[8][9]

On February 26, 2018, the Buccaneers declined the second-year option on Hawley's contract, making him a free agent in 2018.[10][11]

Retirement

Hawley spent eight years in the NFL and retired after becoming a free agent in 2018 to pursue a passion project.[12] He donated most of his belongings to Metropolitan Ministries of Tampa Bay and planned to live out of a custom 2007 Ford E-350 diesel cargo van as he explores the country with his rescue dog named Freedom. He departed the Tampa Bay area on April 5, 2018 to document his journey on YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter using the handle "ManVanDogBlog".[13]

References
  1. Astleford, Andrew (October 19, 2015). "Bucs' Joe Hawley on his football roots: 'The odds were stacked against me'". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
  2. "Joe Hawley Recruiting Profile". Rivals.com. Retrieved October 21, 2010.
  3. "2010 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  4. Cox, Daniel (June 15, 2010). "Falcons sign Hawley and Franks, waive four". NFL.com. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
  5. McClure, Vaughn (September 7, 2015). "Falcons pick up Gino Gradkowski, cut Joe Hawley". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
  6. "Veteran center Joe Hawley signs with Buccaneers". ESPN.com. September 14, 2015. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
  7. Smith, Scott (March 15, 2017). "Buccaneers Retain Joe Hawley". Buccaneers.com.
  8. "Bucs make Ali Marpet move to center official". Rotoworld.com. June 15, 2017. Archived from the original on August 2, 2018. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  9. Laine, Jenna (June 15, 2017). "The Bucs have been very happy with Ali Marpet's move to center this offseason". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
  10. Williams, Charean (February 26, 2018). "Bucs expected to decline option on Joe Hawley, making him a free agent". ProFootballTalk.NBCSports.com. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
  11. Florio, Mike (March 4, 2018). "40 pounds lighter since the season ended, Joe Hawley is likely moving on". ProFootballTalk.NBCSports.com.
  12. Auman, Greg (April 6, 2018). "Bucs' Joe Hawley eager to hit the road with a pooch named Freedom". tbo.com. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  13. Smith, Scott (April 4, 2018). "Retired Buc hits the road with a van and his dog". fox13news.com. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
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