Abdul Hodge

Team Number:	55
Birth Date:	12/31/1969
Height:	6'0"
Weight:	229lbs.
Position:	Linebacker

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Abdul Hodge was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 2006 NFL draft, with the 67th pick overall. Despite suffering two injuries throughout the season, Hodge appeared in eight games, starting one at middle linebacker in place of veteran Nick Barnett. He recorded his first fumble recovery and touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks on November 27, 2007. Hodge was inactive for eight regular season games in 2006, and despite an offseason injury to his knee, he is looking to earn considerable playing time in the 2007 season.

Hodge attended the University of Iowa, where he played under legendary coach Hayden Fry. He had a stellar college career, seeing considerable action his freshman year and then assuming starting duties at middle linebacker for the next three seasons. Hodge set a number of Hawkeye records including most single season tackles recorded, and most tackles in a single game. He finished with the third most tackles in Iowa history, with 453, and started 37 consecutive games through the end of his career. He was team captain for three years, called the team defense in the huddle, and was respected by coaches and players alike for his smarts on the field. He was named First Team All-Big Ten his sophomore through senior seasons. He graduated from Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in communications.

Hodge was born in the Virgin Islands, but lived in Atlanta, Georgia for a time before his family settled in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It is there that Hodge calls home today, and he returns often to spend time with his four year old daughter. He has volunteered his time off the field with the Ronald McDonald house, spending time with sick children. Abdul’s younger brother, Elijah Hodge, plays middle linebacker for the University of Wisconsin Badgers.

Hodge sat out the 2007 season with injury. Both of his knees required surgery.

In August of 2008, Hodge was cut from the Packers roster. One week from being cut by Green Bay, the Begals picked him up to fill a spot on their practice squad. Within months, he made his way to the active roster. He played in six games before injuring himself in the November 17th game.