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Bucs' Joe Hawley on his football roots: 'The odds were stacked against me'

TAMPA, Fla. -- Joe Hawley developed a passion for football when he stepped onto a field for the first time. Now he considers each moment enjoyed in the NFL to be a gift.

The 6-foot-3, 302-pound center, drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round in 2010, signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 14. He has started three games this season as veteran Evan Smith recovers from an ankle injury.

Hawley, 26, shared his inspirations and discoveries as part of our weekly Q&A with a member of the Bucs: