FOXBORO -- Last week, Bill Belichick was asked to name a couple of players who have joined his teams late in the season and went on to make an impact.

Belichick asked for some time to think of an answer, but he'd likely agree that Artrell Hawkins qualifies as one such player. Signed before the 10th game of the season last year, Hawkins started four of the final five games at strong safety, bringing a veteran presence to a position that saw several different faces due to injury.

That run has continued this year. One of two Cincinnati Bearcats on the roster (along with Mike Wright), Hawkins has started nine games this season. He's stepped in ably for the injured Eugene Wilson, with 47 total tackles (32 solo), an interception, a forced fumble and 10 special-teams tackles. On more than one occasion this season, Belichick has lauded Hawkins for his professionalism and preparedness.

A married father of three, Hawkins is also drawing attention off the field for his voice, which is rich and deep and not at all what you'd expect to hear come out of his mouth. He's started putting his instrument to work, doing voice-over work for Patriots' productions.

Here's this week's Who I Am.

Three things I believe: in Jesus, in love, and in overcoming obstacles.

My favorite off-day activity: It has to be playing football with my 6-year old son (Aeneas). We home-school him. We started doing it in case we had to travel. Even though he's six, he's (working) at a fourth-grade level. It's hard to slack off when you're the only kid in class.

My first CD: Run-DMC, the one with Walk this Way and My Adidas.

My first concert: Michael Jackson, the Thriller tour, Sept. 12, 1988, in Pittsburgh. I met him. My mom sent away for the tickets -- we knew people that waited three days for tickets, but she sent the money in ahead of time, and they sent us (tickets for) third row, front and center. My sisters and I got to go on stage, dance on stage and met him. That's when he was hot.

My first car: A 1989 Cadillac. It was multicolored, pieced together. Originally it was cream, but it had been in accidents. The hood was blue, the side panel was brown, and the front seat was broken, so there was a bucket of cement behind the seat to hold it in place.

My siblings: There are seven of us total. I'm number two.

The last time I cried: Probably at my grandfather's funeral in 2004. Before that, I couldn't tell you. I don't have much to cry about; I have a good life.

My favorite meal: Collard greens, some type of grilled chicken, macaroni and cheese, yams, chitlins and potato salad.

If I wasn't in the NFL: I'd be in broadcast journalism.

One job I'd never want to have: Any office job. I could never work 9-to-5.

smanza@projo.com / (401) 277-7340