Tre Hawkins III Bio
Tre Hawkins III (born August 1, 2000) is an American professional football cornerback who currently plays for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 195 pounds, Hawkins emerged as a notable defensive talent after being selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. His professional career began with the New York Giants before transitioning to the Washington Commanders in 2025. Hawkins played college football at Trinity Valley Community College and Old Dominion University, where he developed into a reliable defensive back with solid tackling and coverage abilities.
Early Life and Background
Tre Hawkins III was born on August 1, 2000, in Temple, Texas. Growing up in Temple, Hawkins attended local schools and developed his football skills in the Texas high school system. His athletic foundation in the Lone Star State provided him with the competitive experience necessary to advance to the collegiate level. The strong football culture in Texas played a significant role in shaping his development as a defensive player.
Hawkins graduated from high school in Temple, Texas, where he established himself as a promising defensive prospect. His combination of size and athleticism made him an attractive recruit for college programs seeking cornerback talent. After completing high school, Hawkins initially chose to play at the junior college level to continue his football development.
Path to Professional Football
Hawkins began his college football career at Trinity Valley Community College in 2018. At Trinity Valley, he played for two seasons (2018–2019) as a member of the Trinity Valley Cardinals, where he refined his cornerback skills against junior college competition. The junior college route allowed Hawkins to develop his technique and earn recognition from larger programs seeking experienced defensive backs.
Following his tenure at Trinity Valley, Hawkins transferred to Old Dominion University to continue his collegiate career. He played three seasons (2020–2022) with the Old Dominion Monarchs, where he became a consistent performer in the Conference USA. During his time at Old Dominion, Hawkins accumulated 134 total tackles, including 6 tackles for loss. He also recorded 2 interceptions, 12 pass deflections, 3 fumble recoveries, and 3 forced fumbles, demonstrating his versatility as a defensive player capable of making plays in various situations.
Tre Hawkins III Career
New York Giants (2023–2024)
Hawkins entered the 2023 NFL Draft with his collegiate experience at Old Dominion. NFL scouts recognized his size, athleticism, and competitive nature. The New York Giants selected Hawkins in the sixth round with the 209th overall pick. The Giants saw potential in Hawkins as a developmental cornerback who could contribute on special teams and eventually grow into a larger defensive role.
As a rookie during the 2023 season, Hawkins appeared in all 17 games for the Giants, logging 35 combined tackles. His rookie campaign demonstrated his ability to stay on the field and contribute at the professional level. The experience of playing in every game provided Hawkins with valuable NFL experience and confidence heading into his second season.
The highlight of Hawkins’ career with the Giants came in Week 14 of the 2024 season when New York faced the New Orleans Saints. In that game, Hawkins recorded his first career interception by picking off quarterback Derek Carr. The interception was significant beyond just his personal achievement, as it marked New York’s first interception since Week 1 of that season, breaking an 11-game stretch without a takeaway for the Giants defense. However, the game ended tragically for Hawkins when he suffered a fractured lumbar spine injury, which ended his season. He finished that season with 10 tackles across three appearances.
Washington Commanders (2025–Present)
On August 26, 2025, the New York Giants waived Hawkins with an injury designation as part of their final roster cuts. The injury sustained during his rookie season appeared to impact his standing with the organization. Following his release from the Giants, Hawkins sought opportunities to continue his NFL career with another franchise.
On November 5, 2025, the Washington Commanders signed Hawkins to their practice squad. Joining the Commanders provided Hawkins with a fresh start and an opportunity to prove his health and abilities. He worked with the practice squad to reintegrate into NFL action and demonstrate his recovery from the injury that ended his previous season. On January 5, 2026, Hawkins signed a reserve/futures contract with the Commanders, securing his place on the roster for the 2026 season and beyond.
Playing Style and Strengths
Hawkins possesses prototypical cornerback size for the NFL at 6 feet 3 inches, which allows him to match up against larger receivers and tight ends. His length enables him to contest passes effectively and disrupt plays at the catch point. At 195 pounds, he combines size with the athleticism necessary to run with receivers in coverage. His collegiate production, including 12 pass deflections over three seasons at Old Dominion, demonstrates his ability to make plays on the ball and create turnovers. Hawkins also showed his willingness to contribute against the run with his tackle production.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Hawkins’ young career came in Week 14 of the 2024 season against the New Orleans Saints. Not only did he record his first career NFL interception, but he did so in dramatic fashion by ending the Giants’ long drought without a turnover. The interception against Derek Carr represented a breakthrough for a Giants defense struggling to create takeaways. The injury that followed the play serves as a significant chapter in his professional journey, testing his resilience and determination to continue his NFL career.
Tre Hawkins III Career Statistics
Through his first two NFL seasons, Hawkins has established himself as a contributor at the professional level. His rookie year provided him with a full season of experience, while his second year was cut short by injury but included a milestone interception. His career path demonstrates the ups and downs common in NFL careers, particularly for young defensive players.
NFL Regular Season Statistics
Hawkins’ NFL career statistics reflect his role as a defensive back who has seen meaningful playing time. His tackle production shows he has been involved in the Giants’ defensive plans during his time with the team. The interception total, while modest, includes a significant first-career pick that came in a crucial situation during the season.
| Season | Team | Tackles | Pass Deflections | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | New York Giants | 35 | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 | New York Giants | 10 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | Washington Commanders | — | — | — |
Career Summary
Through his time with the Giants, Hawkins accumulated 45 total tackles, 3 pass deflections, and 1 interception across his appearances. The interception, recorded during his second season, remains the highlight of his statistical career. As he continues his journey with the Washington Commanders, Hawkins looks to build upon this foundation and increase his production in the seasons ahead.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant transition for Hawkins following his injury-shortened 2024 campaign. After being waived by the New York Giants during final roster cuts in late August, Hawkins found himself in need of a new opportunity. His release from the Giants represented a setback, but also an opportunity to join an organization where he could compete for a roster spot and contribute on a new team.
Hawkins signed with the Washington Commanders practice squad in November 2025, beginning his integration with the franchise. The practice squad assignment allowed him to continue developing his skills while learning the Commanders’ defensive system. His performance during this period impressed coaches enough that the organization signed him to a reserve/futures contract in January 2026, indicating confidence in his future contributions.
The transition to Washington presents Hawkins with a fresh start and the chance to establish himself with a new team. The Commanders’ defensive scheme may offer opportunities for Hawkins to showcase his coverage abilities and compete for increased playing time. With the experience gained from his time with the Giants and the backing of a new organization, Hawkins enters the 2026 season with renewed motivation to build upon his early career achievements.