Overview

Clifton Alexander "Alex" Hawkins (July 2, 1937 – September 12, 2017) was an American professional football player best known for his work as a running back and special teams leader. He spent his National Football League years with the Baltimore Colts and the Atlanta Falcons, and served as a team co-captain during his time with the Colts. His career took place in the league commonly referred to as the NFL.

Early life and background

Hawkins was born in Welch, West Virginia. Like many professional players of his era, he developed his athletic skills through high school and college football programs before reaching the professional ranks. His rise to the NFL reflected a combination of running ability and a readiness to take on the physical, often overlooked duties of special teams play.

Professional career and role

Although frequently listed as a running back, Hawkins became particularly respected for his contributions on special teams — the units responsible for kickoffs, punts and returns. Special teams players are valued for tackling, blocking and secure ball handling; Hawkins gained a reputation for reliability and leadership in these phases. He was also named a co-captain with the Colts, an honor that recognizes a player's leadership among teammates and coaches.

Characteristics and playing style

  • Versatility: Performed offensive duties as a back while making notable special teams plays.
  • Leadership: Served as a captain, indicating influence in locker-room and game-day decisions.
  • Durability: Known for the willingness to perform physically demanding roles that do not always show in basic statistics.

Legacy, later life and death

Alex Hawkins remained a figure remembered for his team-first approach and the niche role he filled at a time when special teams were gaining more recognition. In later years he lived away from the national spotlight. Hawkins died of complications related to Alzheimer's disease on September 12, 2017, in Columbia, South Carolina, at the age of 80.

Notable facts

  1. Played for two NFL franchises: Baltimore Colts and Atlanta Falcons.
  2. Recognized more for special teams play and leadership than for headline statistics; a reminder of the varied roles that make up a football roster.
  3. Career and life are recorded in league histories and player profiles for those seeking detailed statistics and game records via official or archival sources (player profile).