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Jeff Hawkins

Sports Editor

About

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

Articles by Jeff Hawkins (363)

Panthers Lose Out To Vikings On Stephon Gilmore Sweepstakes, Seek DB Depth

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers attempted to raise the stakes in their final bid to land coveted cornerback Stephon Gilmore.  But the Minnesota Vikings went all-in by offering the former five-time Pro Bowler a one-year, $10 million deal, with $7 million guaranteed, ESPN reported Sunday morning.  The Panthers needed Gilmore.  With projected CB2 Dane […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  18 Aug 2024
NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400: Qualifying, Denny Hamlin’s Pole Position, Lineup At Michigan International Speedway

Denny Hamlin earned the pole position for Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400, but he didn’t have to do much.  Intermittent showers and the threat of lightning rained out Saturday’s qualifying session at Michigan International Speedway. Relying on the NASCAR rule book, Hamlin was inserted into the inside of the front row, next to Tyler Reddick.  Christopher […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  17 Aug 2024
Panthers Training Camp Notebook: Bryce Young Shows Heisman-Like Flashes Between Joint Practice Fights

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Following Monday’s NFL training camp session, the Carolina Panthers’ offensive unit ran gassers after struggling against the defense. For their part, the defenders celebrated the dominating performance with sideline dances and cross-field trash-talk.   Bryce Young, endured multiple interception-prone practices the past week. The quarterback could be seen leading the wind sprints, […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  16 Aug 2024
NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 Odds, Predictions & Best Bets At Michigan International Speedway

Disgruntled driver Denny Hamlin wanted NASCAR Cup Series officials to act.   Promptly. Well, it took a few days, but Austin Dillon eventually absorbed a penalty for his controversial actions at the end of last Sunday’s Cook Out 400. The No. 3 Chevrolet driver took out Hamlin and Joey Logano during the final turn at Richmond […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  14 Aug 2024
NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 Entry List: Dates, Event Times At Michigan International Speedway 

When a caution flag fell on Lap 399 of 400, overtime drama – and heated tempers – developed during the final turn of Sunday’s Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway. Desperate to end a two-year winless drought and qualify for the playoffs, then No. 32-ranked Austin Dillon wrecked Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin for the […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  12 Aug 2024
NASCAR Cup Series Fans React To Austin Dillon Taking Out Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin With ‘Chicken-S#!%’ Move To Claim Cook Out 400 At Richmond Raceway

After losing the overtime restart to Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Dillon made sure nothing stood in his way en route to claiming Sunday night’s Cook Out 400.  Not Logano and not Denny Hamlin. Dillon took out both machines along the final turn at Richmond Raceway. The No. 3 Chevrolet pilot crossed the […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  12 Aug 2024
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s 3 Most Emotional Awards in His NASCAR Hall of Fame Trophy Case

2021 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Dale Earnhardt Jr. hand-picked several race awards and career memorabilia for his trophy case. Three items maintain significant emotional value.

Jeff Hawkins  •  30 Jan 2022
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Still Refers to NASCAR’s New Technology as ‘Trash’

As a NASCAR premier series racer, Dale Earnhardt Jr. drove the Car of Tomorrow and Gen-6 machines. He tested the new Next Gen car and was more impressed than he was with past models. He still detests the COT.

Jeff Hawkins  •  18 Jan 2022
Why Kyle Larson Reminds Mario Andretti ‘A Lot of Myself’

Motorsports icon Mario Andretti admires how NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson challenges himself on other series as he did.

Jeff Hawkins  •  29 Dec 2021
How Dale Earnhardt Sr. Overcame a Broken Collarbone and Sternum For a Top 10 at Watkins Glen in 1996

NASCAR Winston Cup legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. endured a dislocated sternum and broken collarbone to place sixth at The Glen’s road course two weeks later.

Jeff Hawkins  •  29 Dec 2021