Wide receiver Hawkins decides to retire

Wide receiver Andrew Hawkins, who played three years with the Browns, decides to retire before reporting to the Patriots training camp.

A little man with one of the biggest hearts in football is calling it a career.

Andrew Hawkins, 5-foot7, is retiring after six years in the NFL. He instantly became a fan favorite when he signed with the Browns in 2014 because of the way he interacted with fans.

Hawkins originally was invited to the Browns rookie minicamp as a tryout player in 2008. He didn’t make it to the NFL until 2011 when he signed with the Bengals. He played three years with Cincinnati and three with the Browns. He was cut by the Browns after catching 33 passes last season.

Hawkins signed with New England on May 24, but on July 25, one day before veterans were due to report, he concluded “My body didn’t respond the way it should going into camp.”

Hawkins wrote the following letter to Browns fans after announcing his retirement:

“In May of 2008, I loaded up my Chevrolet Impala, and made the roughly twohour drive from the University of Toledo to Berea, in hopes of not returning any time soon. Unfortunately, I was back on the Toledo campus within three days.

“I had what was, by most accounts, at least a solid performance during my tryout with the Cleveland Browns during their rookie minicamp. At the conclusion of the camp, I was told by the front office and

The Cavaliers’ pursuit of Rose seemed somewhat puzzling before Irving’s demands became public. The All-Star guard, whose 3-pointer in the waning moments of Game 7 of the 2016 Finals gave Cleveland its first sports championship in 52 years, has reportedly grown tired of playing alongside LeBron James and wants to be the focal point for another team. Former Browns receiver Andrew Hawkins retired on July 25.

coaches that I would more than likely be signed within the week. Afterwards, I would check the Browns’ roster transactions every day and pray that the phone would ring to make me a Cleveland Brown. The days, weeks, and months passed by without the phone call ever coming. But, as fate would have it, after working in a factory, working as a caddy, interning as an NFL scout, starring on a reality show, playing in Canada,

Rose knows what that’s like.

For seven years, he was the unquestioned star for the Chicago Bulls, who got to the Eastern Conference finals in 2011 but were beaten by James’ Miami Heat.

Now, Rose and James, both former league MVPs, are united.

James welcomed his new teammate Monday on Twitter, posting five rose emoji with the message: “Let’s Rock G!!”

Rose drew interest from several other teams but

breaking a leg (literally), getting cut after one practice in St. Louis, and emerging in Cincinnati, on March 11, 2014, the Cleveland Browns finally called and changed my life forever.

“Today, my football career comes to an end, but I celebrate the incredible opportunity I was given to wear the same colors as legends like Jim Brown, Otto Graham, Eric Metcalf, Clay Matthews Sr., Paul Warfield, Ozzie Newsome, Josh

chose the Cavaliers, who despite their recent turmoil and the uncertainty surrounding Irving, are the class of their conference.

“We are very excited to be able to add a player of Derrick’s caliber and experience to the team,” said GM Koby Altman, who was promoted from an interim role on Monday. “Derrick could have gone to a number of other teams, but his specific mindset, goals and total focus and commitment to winning are what resulted in him signing with the Cavaliers. We are confident Cribbs, Bernie Kosar, Joe Thomas and many more. I count it an incredible honor to be a football descendant of the Godfather of football himself, Mr. Paul Brown.

“Thank you to all the coaches and my brothers on the field for having my back always, no matter what. Thank you to (Browns owners) Jimmy and Dee Haslam for the support, care, and effort you continue to put into turning this storied franchise around. Thank you to Ray Farmer, Sashi Brown, Mike Pettine and Hue Jackson for allowing me the opportunity to join the Cleveland community.

“Lastly, the love and support that Browns fans across the globe have shown my family and I was both unanticipated and greatly appreciated. My time as a Brown was some of the best of my life and I have never experienced such passion from fans in my life. I couldn’t wrap my mind around the unwavering support Cleveland fans showed us through the ups and downs, but I knew it was special to be a part of. I am proud to be a part of the Cleveland community, and in my short time, I hope my small contributions have left it in a better place than when I arrived.

“Thank you Cleveland, the pleasure was all mine. “Till next time, Andrew Hawkins” Hawkins caught 86 passes for 995 yards and four touchdowns with the Bengals. He caught 123 passes for 1,424 yards and five touchdowns with the Browns.

he will be a very good fit with our organization and we look forward to the many ways he will contribute to the team.”

A three-time All-Star and the 2011 MVP, Rose averaged 18 points and 4.4 assists last season while shooting 48 percent from the field with New York. Although he has been injury prone, Rose played in 64 games for the Knicks and in 181 over the past three seasons.

Rose has averaged 19.5 points and 6 assists in eight seasons as a pro.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE