A.J. Hawk doesn’t want to be a story, but the local media keeps making him one.
Hawk, who has gone from starter to afterthought in the span of a few weeks, has said as much. When he’s asked about his diminished role, Hawk keeps trying to focus on the team.
And frankly, although we’ve never thought much of his abilities as a player, we’d expect nothing less because Hawk is a team guy.
“This team is playing really well. That’s why I was hesitant to even come in here. Nothing is about me. It shouldn’t be about me. It’s dumb to talk about me. We’re 10-3.
“I shouldn’t be a storyline.”
Hawk is right and hopefully this is the end of it…
What am I saying? Those unoriginal pricks who cover the Packers are going to find a way to dredge up a story on Hawk every week until the season is over.
“Hey, A.J., remember that time you [insert something Hawk did here]. Yeah… that was awesome…”
What is mildly interesting here is Hawk is openly talking about the writing that’s on the wall — his tenure in Green Bay is just about over.
“Of course, anyone would dream to have your whole career with the Packers,” Hawk said. “That’s anybody’s dream I think as a kid. The reality is that’s pretty tough to do. If that happens, I’d be pumped and it would be my dream come true, but if not, I feel like I still can play and if another team would give you a shot, how are you going to turn it down? I can only speak for right now. I can’t speak for whenever that time may be.”
This kind of reminds us of Brian Urlacher’s last season in Chicago. You know, minus all the past individual glory.
Still, long-time fixture at inside linebacker whose body was obviously betraying him and a team that was ready to move on.
Urlacher went into free agency, didn’t find anything and decided to retire as a Bear. Hawk, on the other hand, has one year left on his contract. The Packers will likely release him after the season.
Will anyone bite on signing Hawk if he’s available? We have our doubts.