Education
Hawthorne attended Hamden High School in Hamden, Connecticut, his hometown.
Hawthorne attended Hamden High School in Hamden, Connecticut, his hometown.
He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin. He got a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Anttaj participated in the first ever United States. Army All-American Bowl game on December 30, 2000.
Hawthorne starred at the University of Wisconsin–Madison for four years. He was a team leader and a standout player.
Originally a Nose-tackle in his freshman year, later moved to left defensive tackle where he started 41 consecutive games. Earned third team All-American honors during his senior year and was also named All-Big Ten Conference three times, including a first team selection as a junior, and a consensus selection as a senior.
He finished his college career with a total of 201 tackles, 42 of which for a loss, 12 quarterback sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception.
Currently 6th place on Wisconsin–Madison"s all time list with 42 tackles for a loss. Oakland Raiders
Hawthorne drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He spent most of the 2005 season on the Raiders practice squad before finally being signed to the active roster on December 2.
He was active for two games his first season, registering two assists in the Raiders regular season finale against the Giants.
Hawthorne appeared in all 16 games for the Raiders in 2006, recording 13 tackles. He was waived by the team on September 1, 2007.
Arizona Rattlers
Hawthorne signed with the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League in 2008, recording nine tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery during his rookie season. The Rattlers returned to a 3rd straight ArenaBowl in 2013, defeating the Soul once again.
On March 9, 2016, Hawthorne was assigned to the Rattlers.
He played on the varsity football team all four years of his High School career and was a member of the 2000 New Haven Register All-State football team