As a little boy growing up in Johnstown, I would read articles about Johnstown football legends like Carlton Haselrig, Geroy Simon, and Artrell Hawkins Jr. (who has taught me everything I know). All the while, I would pray that one day my name could be mentioned a long side the elite group.

While I still rank myself No. 5 among the group (can’t forget my guy LaRod Stephens-Howling), it has been an honor to be able to give Johnstown another horse in the race.

Today, my professional football career comes to an end, but it has been a blessing to have started my crazy journey here in Johnstown.

+2 Mike Mastovich | Johnstown on Hawkins' mind as he steps away from the game Soon after he announced his retirement from the National Football League on Tuesday, Andrew Hawkins thought about his hometown.

Special thanks to Coach Ken Salem, who instilled in me that selfless effort is the only thing that matters on a football field.

Special thanks to Coach Jeremy Burkett, who was the first coach who told me that I had the talent to reach every lofty football goal I could think of and who also told me that I wasn’t going to the NBA.

Thank you to my mother, Aletha Haselrig-Jones, and my dad, Wilbur Jones, for supporting my dream my entire life, believing in me even when I did not, and driving me across the country to every tournament, camp, visit and game.

Special thanks to all of my brothers and sisters – Ayneka, Alicia, Melony, Adam, Lucia, Artrell, Wayne, Avery, Will, Shane, Twanna, Rashaun, Tanisha, Darnell, Trevor, Alicen and Asia – for keeping me grounded and being there for me whenever I need you.

Sports Connections | Hawkins brothers starred at McCort on way to NFL careers Both Artrell Hawkins Jr. and Andrew Hawkins could claim accomplished football careers had they just stopped with their exploits at Bishop McCort Catholic High School.

Thank you to all the family, friends, teammates and Johnstown residents that have rooted for me, cheered for me and shown me support over the course of my career.

Andrew Hawkins flying high while preparing for life after the NFL Johnstown’s Andrew Hawkins has built a reputation as one of the hardest workers in football throughout his college and professional career.

I can’t put into words what this town has both done for me and meant to me.

Johnstown taught me that hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard; Johnstown taught me that your talent can take you places that your character won’t let you stay; Johnstown taught me that the man who says he can and the man that says he can’t are both right.

So now, I move on to the next chapter of my life, but as I reflect, I want to say, "Thank You, Johnstown!"

The pleasure was all mine.

'Til next time.

– “Andy” Hawkins