A.J. Hawk

Team Number:	50
Birth Date:	12/31/1969
Height:	6'1"
Weight:	247lbs.
Position:	Linebacker

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A.J. Hawk was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft, with the 5th pick overall. He made an immediate impact on the Packers’ defense, starting all 16 regular season games as a rookie and leading the team in tackles. Hawk’s skill, intensity, and drive stand to make him one of the premier linebackers in the league in years to come.

Hawk recorded 155 tackles in 2006, leading the Packers defense. In a Novermber 27 game against the Seattle Seahawks, Hawk recorded 20 tackles, 16 of which were solo stops. In addition to his ability to make or be in on nearly every play, Hawk displayed impressive coverage skills, snagging two interceptions his rookie year, and also had 3.5 sacks. He saw action on 95.3% of the defensive snaps over the course of the season. By the end of the year, Pro Football Weekly had named Hawk to its All-Rookie Team, and he ranked third in votes received for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Before his time with the Green and Gold, A.J. Hawk donned the red and silver of the Ohio State University Buckeyes. Over the course of his career at OSU, he started in 38 games, recorded seven interceptions, led the team in tackles, and scored two touchdowns. Beginning his sophomore year, he was a three-time First Team All-Big Ten selection, and was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2005. He appeared in the Fiesta Bowl twice, earning Defensive MVP honors each time in leading the Buckeyes to victory. His junior year he was a consensus All-American selection, and his senior year he was a unanimous All-American and received the Lombardi Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker or lineman. Despite the numerous accolades, Hawk has eschewed the limelight and remained humble and hardworking.

Born Aaron James in Columbus, Ohio, Hawk was a prep standout who played linebacker and quarterback for his high school, in addition to assuming punting and placekicking duties periodically. He received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State in criminology and enjoys hunting and golfing. He is married to Laura Quinn, sister of former Notre Dame Quarterback Brady Quinn, and the couple resides in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

For 2007, A.J. Hawk played strongly, having started every game of the regular season. His 129 tackles were second only to one other player. During the San Diego game on 9/23, A.J. Hawk racked up thirteen tackles. This was topped during the Dallas Cowboys match up where he had a season high of fourteen tackles, with three going for a loss. A.J. had memorable plays against K.C. and Washington that included an interception and a forced fumble.

During the 2008 season, he continued to start in each game regardless of injury. He was the team leader for tackles with 121, 84 of which were solo. In the first game of the regular season against the Minnesota Vikings, he had 12 tackles, a season high even with a shoulder harness to protect a chest injury. He took over position of middle line backer to compensate for an injured Nick Barnett in November at the Chicago Bears game and got 12 tackles to match his season high. During the last game of the reason against the Detroit Lions, he continued his position as MLB and exceeded the 400-tackle mark with eight stops.