Back to search

Frank Hawkins

Running Back

Inducted 1997

Date of Birth

7/3/1959

Birthplace

Las Vegas, NV

School

University of Nevada (1977-1980)

Bio

Frank Hawkins played four years at running back for the University of Nevada and gained 5,333 yards by rushing. When he finished his career in 1980, this was the third highest rushing total of all time. He was named a Division I-AA (FCS) All-America three times and led Division I-AA in rushing in 1979 and 1980. His best rushing game was 293 yards against San Francisco State in 1978. He rushed for 265 yards against Idaho in 1980, 217 against Idaho in 1979, 202 against Montana in 1980, and 201 against Weber State in 1979. He finished with 21 consecutive 100-yard games. He scored 39 touchdowns in four years. His longest runs were 59 yards against San Francisco State in 1978, 50 against Weber State in 1979, and 47 against Idaho in 1980. For his final game, Nov. 22, 1980, against Idaho, his school created "Day of the Hawk" and gave commemorative pins to spectators. Hawkins' jersey, No. 27 was retired. He played seven years with the Oakland Raiders. After his football days, Hawkins returned to his home town, Las Vegas. He served as city councilman and became director of operations for the Las Vegas NAACP Center. When he graduated with the class of 1981, one of the university's professors, Ken Braunstein, wrote this tribute in a Reno newspaper: "The state of Nevada will remember Frank Hawkins the football player. We can be more proud of a young man who will succeed in anything he attempts. Frank Hawkins, the man."