National Football League

Hawthorne looking forward to trip home

Published Nov. 4, 2011 11:34 p.m. ET

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David Hawthorne carries fond memories of playing in the home of the Dallas Cowboys as a high school athlete growing up in Corsicana, Texas.

The Corsicana High School graduate remembers trips to Texas Stadium and playing in front of crowds upward of 20,000 people. The lower divisions would play their games early and their fans were allowed to stay for the rest of the day.

''By the end of the day, you have a whole stadium full of people,'' Hawthorne said.

With Hawthorne now playing for the Seattle Seahawks, his friends and family back home don't get the chance to see him play very often.

''Because we play so far away from Texas, our games don't get broadcast unless you get some special cable package that a lot of our friends and family don't got,'' Hawthorne said. ''You get an opportunity for your family to come see you and watch you play live and in person, and friends get to tune in and see that you're doing it and you're still repping your city and making them proud.''

Hawthorne said he's been inundated with ticket requests from those close to him.

''The tally is still going up,'' Hawthorne said.

Hawthorne's most recent trip back to Dallas wasn't nearly as memorable. He started for an injured Lofa Tatupu two seasons ago as the Seahawks were drilled 38-17 by the Cowboys.

Since then, Pete Carroll has completely overhauled the roster, leaving Hawthorne as one of just 13 members who were with the Seahawks organization at the time - and only 10 who are currently on the 53-man active roster.

With the roster churn, there aren't many people left who even remember the last trip to face the Cowboys.

''I think we're just going down there to get back on our feet and get rolling and start playing football,'' Hawthorne said.

Hawthorne sprained his knee during training camp and missed two preseason games and the season opener against San Francisco. He's been wearing a brace on his left knee throughout the year, but is finally getting healthy and making more of an impact.

Against the Browns two weeks ago, Hawthorne had 11 tackles and picked off Colt McCoy's throw 20 yards downfield. Hawthorne has had 10 or more tackles in two of the last four games.

''I think he is just getting healthier to where he's showing up but still very important to our defense as far as a catalyst,'' defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said. ''He makes the calls and everyone's comfortable with him being there, setting the fronts and stuff. He's done a nice job for us at that position.''

Notes: QB Tarvaris Jackson fully participated in practice Friday and is listed as probable against the Cowboys. Carroll said Jackson ''barely'' made it through the week, but that he did make it through and believes he'll be available to go on Sunday. ... TE Cameron Morrah (toe/knee), DT Alan Branch (knee/hip) and LB David Vobora (calf) all did not practice Friday and are listed as questionable. All three will be game-time decisions, according to Carroll.

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