Johnstown’s Andrew Hawkins made a habit out of beating the odds on the way to a successful career in the National Football League.
While the NFL and the AAABA Tournament might feature two different sports, Hawkins will bring baseball and football together at Point Stadium during the 73rd annual event.
The former wide receiver with the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals will be honored on the Point Stadium field before Wednesday night’s game.
Hawkins, 31, recently retired after six NFL seasons. He is a graduate of Johnstown’s Bishop McCort High School and the University of Toledo.
“He’s just a fantastic kid,” AAABA Tournament Chairman Tony Belskey told The Tribune-Democrat in an article that appeared in the newspaper.
“That guy always had a type-A personality, and challenged himself to succeed,” Belskey said, “and also supported the heck out of everybody around him.”
Also on the schedule Wednesday night will be an appearance by the Pirate Parrot. The Pittsburgh Pirates’ mascot has been a familiar presence during previous tournaments and is a fan favorite.
Hawkins will be invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch on Tribune-Democrat Night at the Point.
Upon announcing his retirement from football on July 25, Hawkins penned a letter to the Johnstown community that was published in The Tribune-Democrat and at www.TribDem.com.