Tayler Hawkins Bio
Tayler Colby Hawkins is an American professional football safety for the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the San Diego State Aztecs. Hawkins began his professional career with the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL) but has since signed with the DC Defenders, where he looks to make a significant impact in the upcoming seasons.
Early Life and Background
Tayler Hawkins was born on December 27, 1997, in Palm Springs, California. He faced adversity early in life, as his mother passed away when he was just 18 months old. He and his twin brother, Tyler, were raised by their grandmother. Both brothers excelled in football at Palm Springs High School, where Tayler earned recognition as a three-time first-team all-league player, showcasing his versatility by playing wide receiver, defensive back, and punter. In his final two years, he recorded impressive statistics, including 94 receptions for 1,915 yards and 25 touchdowns, along with 133 tackles, 14 pass deflections, and nine interceptions. His high school success culminated in a CIF championship win in 2015, leading him to commit to play college football for the San Diego State Aztecs.
Path to American Football
Tayler Hawkins redshirted his freshman year at San Diego State in 2016. He made his collegiate debut in the 2017 season, playing in ten games and recording five tackles. Over the next few years, he continued to develop his skills, becoming a starter and earning recognition for his performance. In 2020, he was named an honorable mention All-Mountain West Conference player. He opted to return for a final season in 2021, where he had a standout year, recording 62 tackles, 13 pass breakups, and two interceptions. His performance earned him a second-team all-conference selection and recognition as one of the top coverage defensive backs nationally.
Tayler Hawkins Career
Early Career (2022-2023)
After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Tayler Hawkins signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent. He faced challenges early in his professional career, being released during final roster cuts but later re-signed to the practice squad. His perseverance paid off when he signed a reserve/future contract after the season. However, injuries hampered his progress, and he was placed on injured reserve in August 2023, which ended his season. Despite these setbacks, he made his NFL debut in the season finale against the Los Angeles Rams, where he recorded an interception.
Breakthrough (2024-Present)
On December 4, 2024, Tayler Hawkins signed with the DC Defenders of the United Football League. This move marked a new chapter in his career as he aimed to establish himself in the UFL. His previous experience with the San Francisco 49ers provided him with valuable insights and skills that he hopes to leverage in his new role. With the upcoming 2025 season on the horizon, Hawkins is determined to make a significant impact on the field and contribute to his team’s success.
Notable Works and Milestones
Tayler Hawkins is recognized for his achievements in both high school and college football, including being a UFL champion in 2025. His journey from high school standout to professional player showcases his dedication and resilience in the sport.
Tayler Hawkins Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Tayler Hawkins has received recognition for his performances, including being named honorable mention All-Mountain West Conference and second-team all-conference.
Tayler Hawkins Awards Won
Tayler Hawkins was part of the UFL championship team in 2025, marking a significant achievement in his professional career.
Tayler Hawkins Family
Information regarding Tayler Hawkins’ family is limited, but it is known that he grew up with his twin brother, Tyler, and was raised by their grandmother after the loss of their mother.
Personal Life
Details about Tayler Hawkins’ personal life, including marital status or children, are not publicly available.