Hawthorne received his first start ever in Week 3 of the 2009 season in place of the injured Lofa Tatupu. Hawthorne recorded a combined 16 tackles and 1 interception. Tatupu then returned from injury but was shortly fallen again, this time being sidelined for the season. Hawthorne started from Week 8 for the rest of the 2009 season and recorded 117 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions.
On December 1, 2011, he returned an interception 77 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles in the 4th quarter.[2]
New Orleans Saints
Hawthorne signed a five-year $19 Million contract with the New Orleans Saints on April 3, 2012. He was released on February 8, 2016.[3]
Buffalo Bills
On August 7, 2016, Hawthorne signed with the Buffalo Bills. On August 30, 2016, he was waived by the Bills.[4]