Hawkins redshirted his first year with the California Golden Bears in 2015. In the 2016 season, Hawkins played snaps in all 12 games and started three games at safety. He was also recognized as a scholar-athlete of the week. His cousin, Jeremiah Hawkins, joined the Bears as a freshman wide receiver this season.[2]
In 2017, Hawkins started 11 of the team's 12 games and played snaps in all 12.
In 2018, Hawkins started 12 of the team's 13 games and played snaps in all 13. He led the Pac-12 with 6 interceptions. When targeted, he held the lowest passer rating (1.7) amongst Pac-12 safeties. At the 2018 Cheez-It Bowl, Hawkins had three interceptions, the most in any bowl game that year. Hawkins was named Defensive MVP of the game despite Cal's loss to TCU.
Prior to the 2019 season, Hawkins was named a preseason 2nd team All-Pac-12 player. He started and played in all 13 games. During a game against Stanford, Hawkins made a one-handed interception that made the SportsCenter Top 10.[3]
In his overall college career, Jaylinn Hawkins recorded 156 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, 10 interceptions and three forced fumbles and returned nine kicks for 129 yards. He graduated from Berkeley with a degree in American studies.
Hawkins was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft with the 134th overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons.[7] His collegiate partner at safety, Ashtyn Davis, was taken in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft with the 68th overall pick by the New York Jets.[8] Hawkins was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Falcons on July 28, 2020,[9] and was activated eight days later.[10]
Hawkins scored his first professional touchdown in Week 6 of the 2022 season against the San Francisco 49ers when he recovered a fumble in the end zone.[11] He also recorded an interception in the same game.
The Falcons waived Hawkins on October 17, 2023.[12][13]
On March 21, 2024, Hawkins signed with the New England Patriots.[15] He played in all 17 games with seven starts, recording 48 tackles and one pass deflection. Hawkins again played all 17 games in the 2025 season, recording 71 tackles and 4 interceptions.[16] On January 11, 2026, Hawkins made his playoff debut in a 16–3 win against the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round.[16]
Personal life
Hawkins has Panamanian roots.[17] On March 23, 2025, Hawkins married Jayda Howard.[18]
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