Former New York Jets coach Eric Mangini once noted that Johnstown’s Artrell Hawkins has that “deep Barry White voice” and predicted that Hawkins eventually would land in the broadcast booth.
That voice might carry Hawkins to a second successful chapter of his NFL career. The Bishop McCort graduate is a co-host of 2 Deep Zone, an Internet radio show that also includes his football-playing brothers Andrew and Avery as well as Mixed Martial Arts fighter Rich Thurston.
“We’re kind of doing our own thing,” said Hawkins, who played nine NFL seasons at defensive back with the Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots. “We started right after the draft. We do it once a week, every Tuesday.”
Just as he did in the NFL – when he played multiple positions and special teams in order to earn valuable playing time – Hawkins will rely on his versatility and willingness to learn.
“The analyst work and in-studio work, I think I can do that with my eyes shut. But I want to learn every aspect of it, color commentating, sideline reporting,” Hawkins said. “(NFL Network broadcaster) Solomon Wilcox lives in Cincinnati. He’s helped me out a lot.
“I’ve been in touch with the NFL Network. I just want to learn every avenue I can. I don’t want to be a flash in the pan. I want to get in there and learn it, become qualified and be professional.”
Hawkins hopes to follow a similar post-football career path as another Johnstown native who graduated from Bishop McCort.
“I’ve been trying to get in touch with Jack Ham,” Hawkins said of the Penn State football broadcaster who won four Super Bowls during a Hall of Fame career with the Steelers. “I really want to meet him. I’ve heard he’s a good guy.”
Hawkins will host a Saturday “premiere party” in Pittsburgh for Andrew Hawkins, who will be on the Michael Irvin reality TV show “4th and Long,” beginning on May 18.
“I can’t say enough about the kid,” Hawkins said. “He’s inspired me to live out my dream and keep doing what I want to do now, which is broadcasting.”
Local Sports
Artrell Hawkins co-host on Internet radio
- Local Sports
-
-
Defense attorney: Woman’s death an accident
A defense attorney for a Blair County man charged with homicide in the 1999 death of his daughter-in-law said the woman’s death was accidental.
-
College players dominate Point nominations
Pitt-Johnstown junior Jake Warner was perfect and extremely productive at the plate while earning the first two monthly nominations for the 2013 Point Stadium Award in February and March.
Mount Aloysius sophomore Derrick Capiak nearly reached perfection to take the April nomination. -
Pirates roll past Brewers
Wandy Rodriguez allowed one run over seven strong innings and Neil Walker hit a two-run single as the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Milwaukee Brewers 3-1 on Wednesday night.
Rodriguez (4-2) gave up six hits, walking one and striking out five. -
Dupuis coming through for Penguins
Dan Bylsma has been hearing it seemingly from the moment he took over at Pittsburgh Penguins head coach four years ago.
Every time the Penguins hit a rough patch, the murmurs about finding a polished winger to play alongside superstar Sidney Crosby pop up. Bylsma understands the sentiment. It’s just that it’s a little misplaced. -
Penn State guard leaving for pro career
Penn State guard Jermaine Marshall, the team’s second-leading scorer, is foregoing his senior year of eligibility to pursue a professional career overseas.
The team announced the surprise move in a statement Wednesday. The 6-foot-4 Marshall, who is on schedule to graduate this summer, cited his family including a 1-year-old son, in making his decision. -
Penn State coach blasts Sports Illustrated article
Penn State coach Bill O’Brien is fervently disputing suggestions raised in a report that player medical care has been compromised after the team doctor was replaced.
Speaking often in an angry tone that might be otherwise reserved for an argument with an official, O’Brien told reporters in a conference call that the health and safety of his players were his top priorities. -
Penguins advance on overtime goal
Brooks Orpik’s goal would have been memorable even if wasn’t in overtime and didn’t put the Pittsburgh Penguins into the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
When you are a defensive-minded defenseman with only 12 goals in nine NHL seasons, they all tend to stand out. -
Liriano key to Pirates' victory
Francisco Liriano finally got to pitch for Pittsburgh and, just like that, the Pirates looked like a much better team.
He struck out nine and the Pirates teed off on New York’s pitching for an 11-2 win over the Mets on Saturday. -
Shade softball thriving on Karl’s watch
Frank Karl coached the majority of the girls who comprise Shade High School’s softball team from the time they played T-ball and coach pitch.
Karl was there when the group, as elementary-school students, once rallied from an 18-run deficit to win a game, and he hoped to be there when the group reached the varsity level. -
MIKE MASTOVICH: Junior put his stamp on tourney
This year, Junior won’t be on the Point Stadium field for the pregame hoopla associated with opening night of the 69th annual AAABA Tournament.
He won’t watch as dozens of Corvettes and hundreds of baseball players enter through the left-field gate with their respective teams from cities such as Baltimore, New Orleans, New Brunswick and Altoona. - More Local Sports Headlines
-
Defense attorney: Woman’s death an accident
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
