Patriots WR Hawkins retires

Jul 27, 2017 - 4:26 AM Wide receiver Andrew Hawkins announced his retirement on Wednesday, two months removed from signing a one-year deal with the New England Patriots.

Hawkins revealed in a video on social media that he didn't think he could play another season at age 31.

"I just got off the phone with the New England Patriots and coach (Bill) Belichick, and I just had to inform them of my decision to retire," he said. "After OTAs this summer, my body just didn't respond and didn't feel the way it should going into camp."

Hawkins played three seasons with both the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns before signing a one-year contract with the Patriots in May. He recently earned his master's degree in sports management from Columbia University with a 4.0 GPA.

Hawkins led the Browns in 2014 with 63 catches and 824 yards in his first season.

He dropped off to a total of 60 catches the last two seasons and was released by the club in February.

Hawkins reeled in 209 receptions for 2,419 yards and nine touchdowns in 74 games with the Bengals and Browns.