Usually, Tyrunn Walker is the lone NFL representative when he hosts his annual 7-on-7 tournament for area high schools at Westgate during the summer.

But there was another NFL player roaming along the sidelines at Westgate High Wednesday — former West St. Mary and LSU standout Jerald Hawkins showed up to give support for his former coach at WSM, Westgate High head coach Ryan Antoine.

The two NFL players are looking forward to their respective training camps. Walker reports with the Detroit Lions and Hawkins with the Pittsburgh Steelers next month.

Walker, who saw his 2015 season cut short by injury, signed a one-year deal with the Lions in February before free agency opened.

“I ended up being injured but I’m back. I’m ready to go,” the former Westgate and University of Tulsa standout said. Walker, who enters his fifth NFL season this year, suffered a broken fibula last season after signing a free agent deal with the Lions after three years with the Saints. “I did the whole offseason with the team and can’t wait for camp to begin.”

His original one-year deal was set to expire in February and he was ready to go on the open market for his services but the Lions offered him another one-year deal and he signed with the team before going into the NFL free agency market.

“It was good,” Walker said. “They actually offered me a little more money and that let me know that they cared a little more about me and that they wanted me to stay.

“I like it there. I like the scheme, the coaches. I think everyone is doing a good job and it’s going to be interesting this year.”

Now a veteran of the NFL wars, Walker is still learning every time out and making his presence known on the field.

According to the NFL, the average career length for those players who make the opening day roster during their rookie season is six years.

It’s something Walker is not concerned with as he gets ready for his fifth season.

“All I do is just go out and play,” the Westgate grad said. “We don’t know how long we’re going to play this game. It’s something that I just can’t worry about, things will take care of themselves.”

Last season marked his first time on the league’s injured reserve list.

“Hopefully I don’t have to deal with that ever again,” he said. “I just put it in God’s hands and just do what I have to do.”

Hawkins was selected by the Steelers in the fourth round of April’s NFL draft and is getting ready for his first NFL season.

“It’s been pretty much everything I dreamed of,” said Hawkins, who is enjoying some time off after going through the Steelers’ rookie, mini and veterans camps since being drafted. “I didn’t know what to expect. I was praying that I was just going to get drafted by any team.

“Since I’ve been there though, I feel that going to the Steelers was the best thing that could have happened to me. It’s like I was supposed to be there.”

Hawkins said he’s learned a lot so far in the three camps and has been welcomed into the Steelers family.

“They’ve taken me under their wing,” Hawkins said. “They’ve been teaching me the ropes and I feel like it’s been going pretty fast. It’s been a big plus for me.”

Hawkins said he’s learned the Steelers have always had a reputation for treating their players like family — once a Steeler, always a Steeler.

“I found that out pretty much the first day I was there,” Hawkins said. “They take everything as a family. They expect the older guys to show you the ropes and keep you in line.

“It’s a business, but it’s also a family.”

As his first NFL training camp nears, Hawkins just wants to go about his business in a professional way.

“I just want to handle my business. I just want to do everything I’m supposed to do,” he said. “I just want to produce where ever I’m put at and where ever I’m needed. I just want to help the team out.”

One other Teche Area player is playing professional football also. Former Westgate and McNeese standout Diontae Spencer is in his second season with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.