Joseph Kelly Hawley (born October 22, 1988) is a former

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who played for the Atlanta Falcons and the

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of the

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(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.

Early years

Hawley attended Esperanza High School in

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. He began playing football as a freshman, 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 ''

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''. 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. On September 7, 2015, he was released by the Falcons.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On September 14, 2015, Hawley was signed by the

. On March 15, 2017, Hawley signed a two-year contract with the Buccaneers. During 2017, the team moved Ali Marpet to center from his original guard position, replacing Hawley. On February 26, 2018, the Buccaneers declined the second-year option on Hawley's contract, making him a free agent in 2018.

Retirement

Hawley spent eight years in the NFL and retired after becoming a free agent in 2018 to pursue a passion project. He donated most of his belongings to Metropolitan Ministries of Tampa Bay and planned to live out of a custom 2007

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E-350 diesel cargo van as he explores the country with his rescue dog named Freedom. He departed the

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area on April 5, 2018 to document his journey on

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, Instagram, and

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using the handle "ManVanDogBlog".

References

External links

Atlanta Falcons bio Tampa Bay Buccaneers bioJoe Hawley's Instagram BlogJoe Hawley's YouTube Channel
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hawley, Joe 1988 births Living people American football centers American football offensive guards UNLV Rebels football players Atlanta Falcons players Tampa Bay Buccaneers players Players of American football from Anaheim, California Players of American football from Bakersfield, California