Duane Hawthorne

Duane Hawthorne (born August 26, 1976 in St. Louis, Missouri) is a former professional American football cornerback in the National Football League. He played four seasons for the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers.

Early years

After attending Ladue Horton Watkins High School, he received a scholarship to play college football for Northern Illinois University. As a senior he recorded 4 interceptions and was named second-team All-MAC. He finished his college career with 30 starts, 166 tackles, 9 interceptions and 22 passes defensed.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Hawthorne signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 1999 as an undrafted free agent and surprised observers by making the team and finishing with 27 tackles, 3 interceptions (second on the team) and 7 passes defensed, while playing in nickel and dime packages.

He was allocated to the Scottish Claymores of NFL Europe in 2000. He had a strong showing there, including being named NFL Europe co-defensive MVP, All-NFL Europe, tied for the league lead with 4 interceptions and helped his team reach World Bowl 2000. When he returned to the Cowboys for the 2000 season, he was worned down from all of his previous football activity and wasn't as effective, finishing with only one tackle.

In 2001, he was named the starter at left cornerback over Izell Reese. The next year he started 5 games, but a hamstring and knee injuries opened the door for rookie Derek Ross to replace him. He was waived on December 8, 2002.

San Francisco 49ers

On December 11, 2002, he was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as insurance, but didn't play until being forced into action during the playoff loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Personal life

Hawthorne was a football coach at University City High School and now teaches health at Hazelwood West High School in St. Louis, Missouri.