Falcons center Joe Hawley, 25, a fourth-round pick in 2010 out of UNLV, took over the position last season and started seven games.
He won the completion with Peter Konz for the starting position with a battling spirit in training camp.
Hawley spent his first three seasons as former center Todd McClure’s backup.
He spoke with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Chris Vivlamore about how he relaxes off the field:
Q: How did you get started working in ceramics?
A.: I started in high school. I took ceramics class. I really liked it. I took it two years in a row. I got really good at it. When had different projects and I got really good at doing the wheel. I loved doing it. In my rookie year, when I got a little money, I decided to buy my own wheel. I have it at my house. I do it on occasion.
Q: How often?
A.: Now, I'm pretty busy. During the season, maybe once a month. During the offseason, it's whenever I'm around. It's really just when I feel like it.
Q: One can only have so many vases and such. What do you do with everything you create?
A: I have a few. It depends if I like it or not, then I'll get it fired. I just keep them around. It's more of a therapeutic thing than for the actual product.
Q: It’s it an expensive hobby? How much is a typical wheel?
A: Yes. A wheel can be anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand. I wanted to get a nice one if I'm going to do it. The nicer they are, they last longer.
Q: Where do you get clay?
A: Oh, I just buy it online.
Q: If you weren’t a football player, what would you be doing?
A: I would probably be coaching football but what I've always wanted to do is be a break dancer. Like a street performer break dancer.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A.: There are so many. I watch a lot of movies. I like dramas.
Q: What is in your iPod?
A: Everything. I like all kinds of music. It's a mood thing for me. A like country, a lot of country. A little rap, rock, alternative rock, 90s, all that stuff.
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