Panthers Release Renegades CB Josh Hawkins After Maskless Video

The Carolina Panthers released Renegades CB Josh Hawkins from their practice squad on Monday. Video was making the rounds on social media showing Hawkins dancing in a crowded restaurant with no mask on.

When Panthers head coach Matt Rhule was asked about the release he said.

“I would just say we thought it was in the best interest of the team,” 

So far this NFL season the Panthers have placed five players on the NFL’s COVID/reserve list this season. Two players were put on it last week. It looks like the team may be sending a message to its players.

Hawkins was one of eleven Dallas Renegades players to sign pro contracts. Currently, six remain on NFL teams. He was rated as one of the top CB’s in the XFL by our own Mike Mitchell. 

Hawkins was selected in the Phase #5 Open Draft portion of the 2020 XFL draft. He played his college ball at East Carolina.

He finished the shortened XFL season with 11 tackles, four pass defenses, and two interceptions. He had stops in the NFL with the Packers, Panthers, Falcons, and Philadelphia Eagles.

Follow all the XFL to NFL player roster moves with our XFL Player Tracker.