COCOA – As Pop Warner football star in Brevard County, Havian Hawkins was known as the “Playstation” for his skills on the field at the video game level.
These skills led him to become part of the team that won the Super Cup and has now become the key to the city of Cocoa.
Former Cocoa Tiger and current NFL free agent Havian Hawkins received a key from the city on Saturday in honor of winning the Super Cup during his performance at the Los Angeles Rams.
Family and friends along with Cocoa City leaders gathered at Riverfront Park to honor Hawkins for his success as a professional footballer.
“Javian Hawkins is a great footballer, and we know it. He is talented and hardworking, and he is a leader. But what makes J. even more different is a good man,” said his former Pop Warner coach Amer Hatum.
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His father, Tavares Hawkins, spoke of Hawkins ’early passion for the game, saying his hard work from his youth led him to his current career success.
“Ever since he could touch a soccer ball, he knew what he wanted to do. Every day he said, “Dad, let’s practice,” said Tavares Hawkins. “And when he didn’t want to train, I made him practice.”
Hawkins ’mother, Janick Thomas, at Saturday’s event praised his character above his athletic skills.
“He was always different. He has always been a leader, he has always been selfless, he has always put everyone in front of him, ”she said. – And it remains so today.
“I have never seen a man go through the hardships he went through and look him straight in the face and win every time,” Thomas added.
Hawkins first starred in preparatory football at the Astronaut School and then moved to Cocoa School. He helped bring the Tigers to the 4A State Championships in 2016. After high school Hawkins briefly played with the University of Louisville before entering NFL Draft last year.
Hawkins, who was previously included on the Florida football team today for ten years, last year was signed to the Rams coaching team as a backback.
While in Louisville, Hawkins rushed for 2,355 yards and 16 touchdowns and caught 21 passes for 189 yards with a single score.
Tyler Vazquez is a North Brevard Watchdog reporter for FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Vazquez at 321-917-7491 or tvazquez@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @tyler_vazquez
