Football runs in the blood of the Oklahoma Sooners’ starting quarterback Michael Hawkins because he is the eldest son of former NFL cornerback Mike Hawkins Sr.
Growing up in a household where the love for football was ever-present, the young athlete began his career at Allen High School.
Highlights
- Michael Hawkins Jr.’s parents are Michael Hawkins Sr. and Annabelle Hawkins.
- The Dallas-born athlete has a younger brother, Maliek Hawkins, who is committed to the Oklahoma Sooners.
- The Hawkins siblings’ father is a former NFL defensive back. Hawkins Sr. also played for Sooners in 2002.
Michael Hawkins Jr. has had an eventful journey to becoming the starting quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners.
He transferred from Allen High School to Emerson High School in Frisco due to a racist incident that targeted his family.
Michael committed to the Oklahoma Sooners after transferring to Emerson High School in Frisco.
As a true freshman, Hawkins Jr. made his second career start against Texas in the Red River Rivalry. This was the first time a true freshman quarterback started this historic game for the Sooners.
He took over for Arnold late in the first half during the Sooners’ home game against the Vols.
Although he had a slow start, he finished strong, completing 11 of 18 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown. Now, he is leading the Sooners’ first season in the SEC.
Michael Hawkins Jr. Followed His Father’s Footsteps
Michael Hawkins was born on 29 October 2005 in Dallas, Texas, to his parents, Michael Hawkins Sr. and Annabelle Hawkins.
His father is a former NFL cornerback or defensive back. Mike played one season with the Oklahoma Sooners in 2002. After that, he played one season for the Arena Football League.
In 2005, the young quarterback’s father was drafted in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL draft. Hawkins Sr. played 18 games for the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns in 2005 and 2006, respectively.
On the other hand, his mother, Annabelle Hawkins, is a devoted mother and wife, who believes that health is wealth. She is also the biggest fan and cheerleader of her sons.
Furthermore, the Sooners quarterback has two siblings. His younger brother, Maliek Hawkins, also plays football at Emerson High School.
Maliek is a three-star cornerback in the class of 2025. As mentioned, he has followed his older brother and father’s footsteps and committed to the Oklahoma Sooners in April 2024. He will join Michael in Norman for the 2025 season.
Football Has Always Been A Goal For Hawkins Brothers
In an interview with The Oklahoman, the former NFL cornerback revealed that his sons have also wanted to follow in his footsteps.
Mike Sr said,
“Just a family business, It has always been their goal to not only try to do what I have done but be better. And I have pushed them to be better than me”.
Football is back! I’m so proud of you Mikey, continue to stay humble God will lead the way!! #BOOMER pic.twitter.com/0fwwDZQRD2
— Annabelle Hawkins (@abhawkinss) September 2, 2024
Similarly, Michael shared that his father has always made sure that he faces different challenges and develops skills to overcome them.
Ever since I have grown up he has always put me in situations where there’s a ton of adversity I need to overcome. So I’ve always been calm growing up. And trying to learn to be calm in my childhood and even in high school. My dad has been a big part of that.
Michael Hawkins Jr.
Moreover, Michael Hawkins Sr. has always been a strong advisor and coach to his son, Michael Jr. He believes parenting plays a key role in shaping a child’s behavior.
“It starts with the parents,” Hawkins Sr. told The Oklahoman. He explained that children often mimic their parents’ reactions and behaviors.
“If your kids see you freak out, or if they see you act a certain way as they’re growing up, that’s what they’re going to do,” he said.
Additional Information
- His mother, Annabelle, celebrated her 59th birthday in 2013. Thus, she is around 71 years old as of 2024.
- Annabelle Hawkins likely has Hispanic or Latino heritage.
- In December 2022, the Hawkins family faced a distressing incident at their home in Allen. Racist slurs were spray-painted on their garage door.
