When NFL player Joe Hawley learned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wouldn’t be renewing his contract, he didn’t feel sad—he felt relief.
Hawley had played in the NFL for eight seasons, and even though he loved football, he was ready for something new. Hawley had sacrificed a lot for his football career, from his knees to all his free time.
“It’s very structured. My whole life has been like that,” Hawley told USA Today. “I felt like I just kind of wanted to experience life, be free.”
Hawley began preparing to embark on the next chapter in his life. He sold his Mercedes and bought a van. He planned to travel through the United States in the van and simply enjoy his freedom. But he didn’t want to go alone—he wanted to bring a special dog with him.
Hawley started visiting shelters in the Tampa area, looking for the perfect companion for his new life on the road. Finally, he found her: a two-year-old Boxer who was so nervous she shook when Hawley looked in her kennel. Every time Hawley got close to her, she would walk to the other side of her kennel and curl up in a ball. Hawley knew this pup needed to get out of the shelter—she needed to be free just like him.
Hawley officially adopted the pup and drove her home. On the way, he called his sister, Ashleigh, to tell her the news. While they were on the phone, he started singing George Michael’s “Freedom.” Ashleigh quickly said that’s what he should name the dog—Freedom.
Once Freedom was out of the shelter, she came out of her shell and became a whole new dog.
She loved her new dad, and she was so excited to spend time with him. Hawley sold his apartment and most of the things in it and hit the road.
“I’m so excited about the next chapter of my life and trying to figure out what life without football will look like. For the first time in my life I don’t know what the next move is and it’s making me feel more alive then ever. I finally got the rig all set and ready to hit the road. Tampa is now in the rear view. Nothing but open road ahead,” Hawley wrote on Instagram.
For the first couple months of his adventure, Hawley stayed mostly around Florida because he had a few speaking engagements. As they drove around the state, Hawley would find dog-friendly beaches where he could let Freedom off her leash. Together, the two ran around and felt the sand between their toes.
Now that Hawley’s speaking engagements are finished, he and Freedom have started traveling farther afield. They’ve visited Georgia, North Carolina, and Kentucky. They’ve also done lots of hiking together.
Hawley and Freedom’s adventure has only just begun, and they have so many exciting days ahead of them. If you’d like to follow their adventures around the United States, check out Hawley’s Instagram page.
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