 Hawthorne was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 1999 NFL Draft on April 23.He surprised observers by making the team, taking advantage of opportunities created by injuries to cornerbacks Kevin Smith and Deion Sanders.He collected 27 tackles, 3 interceptions (second on the team), 7 passes defensed and 7 special teams tackles, while playing in nickel and dime packages.