Artrell Hawkins retires

New York Jets defensive back, Artrell Hawkins retired from the NFL last week. Hawkins played in the league for eight seasons and was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round (43rd overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft. He became the second highest player to be drafted out of the University of Cincinnati. As a senior, he helped guide the program to its first bowl appearance since 1950. In his six seasons with the Bengals, he picked off nine passes and recorded 68 or more total tackles three times. However, he was released in March. He was then signed by the Carolina Panthers in 2004 where he forced three fumbles, but again was released. He was then signed by the Washington Redskins, but waived two months later. The 31 year-old journeymen spent the next two seasons with the New England Patriots. In 2006 he recorded the 2nd most tackles in his career with 73. He also finished tied for the team high with 15 special team tackles. For the fourth time in his career, he was released. But then, the Jets signed him in February 2008. Jets head coach, Eric Mangini was familiar with Hawkins when he was defensive coordinator with the Patriots in 2005. Hawkins never lived up to his second round potential coming out college. He started 92 of 122 games and made 11 interceptions in that span. His best season came as a rookie when he made 76 tackles, had two interceptions and recorded twi sacks. Throughout his career he was shifted to a nickleback, free safety and special team duties. Hawkins was fortunate to land with the Jets, because in October 2007, he was seen arguing with another driver at 3am, and later refused a breathalizer test. As this stage of his career, he would be battling safety, Eric Smith to simply make the roster. The 5'10" defensive back decided to retire because he missed most of Jets training camp with several undisclosed injuries. The Jets signed rookie Penn State running back Rodney Kinlaw to fill Hawkins roster spot.