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.
The Viqueens are just waiting for his release so they can sign him to a three year deal.
Hawk has just finally hit the point were his upcoming contract value and his value to the team are not even close. Hawk is a team player and has been available, however this is a young mans game. With draft and development being the TT way, Hawk is gone. In addition I believe Brad Jones is also gone. There is no way the over 7 mil cap hit for Jones and Hawk combined for next year is acceptable for the value they provide.
Not his biggest fan as a player, but certainly a quality guy off the field. Best of luck to him, no matter what happens.
I don’t get any hate that gets stowed upon AJ Hawk.
Has he slowed up a bit. Yes, he’s 30. Does he miss some tackles now? Yes, (tell me who doesn’t). Is his career over with the Packers after this season? Probably.
Does he have the most tackles in franchise history? Yes
Has he only missed 2 games in his 9 year career? Yes
Was he a valued asset in the 2010 Superbowl season? Yes
Was he voted to the Pro Bowl in 2010? Yes
Ever here him piss and moan, about anything? No
Did he restructure and take a pay cut of over 4/mil for the last 2 seasons? Yes
I say if anyone wants to rip on and disrespect AJ Hawk. they can f off.
He’s worn the green and gold with pride, gave his all every game. He loves being a Green Bay Packer and has conducted himself accordingly. More than we can say about a lot of other players.
Monty, you want to write negative articles about someone? And we know you do. Write about the Packers overpaying Tramon Williams the last 4 years, that was by far a bigger waste of money. If Sam Shields doesn’t get his shit together, he’ll be the next overpaid cornerback that we talk about. If he is gonna be the 4th highest paid corner, maybe he should play like it.
Great post regarding AJ Hawk.
Disagree regarding Tramon, who is to Pf4l what AJ Hawk is to Monty for some reason.
Tramon remains the best corner the Packers have.
No offense, but if Tramon is the best corner we have. We in big trouble.
One of his biggest haters and I would be sad to see him go. Partially because he seems so realistic about it.
His decline couldn’t possibly have anything to do with the NFL’s recently imposed HGH testing. Nawwww, that couldn’t possibly be it- lantern jaw is perfectly normal.
P.S. Anyone else notice how “hamstring” injuries have gone away this year? You can cheat all you want on muscle growth, but you can’t use drugs to make them attach to the bone more strongly.
AJ Hawks short comings playing in coverage, and his side to side speed, started long before HGH testing was approved, which just happened recently.
Agree with pf4l
AJ Hawk…I predict, will be one of a handful of former Packer players, who take out full page ads in the Wisconsin Newspapers to show gratitude and thank to the Packers, and to the fans of the Packers,
Hawk has taken his share of guff around here, but you can’t help but respect how he goes about his business. Aaron Rodgers, on his Tuesday radio show, called Hawk one of the “true warriors” of the NFL and that people will never know the injuries he concealed and played with.
If this is the end for Hawk as a player in GB, maybe he’d make a good coach. I see him being a presence in the Packers organization for years to come regardless if this is his last year as a player.