A.J. Hawk
At A Glance- The third player in Packers history drafted in the first round out of Ohio State, following John Brockington (1971) and Vinnie Clark (1991)
- First linebacker drafted in the top five of the NFL draft since Washington chose LaVar Arrington No. 2 overall in 2000; only the 26th linebacker selected in the top five since the 1970 league merger
- A consensus All-American both as a junior (2004) and senior (2005), earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in each of his three seasons as a starter. Also captured the 2005 Lombardi Award, given annually to the nation’s top lineman or linebacker
- Pplayed as a true freshman at Ohio State and was available for every snap during his four-year career, playing in 51 games and starting the final 37 in succession
- A humble, old-school player, didn’t allow his parents to cheer for him in high school and never removed his helmet while on the field in college, even on Senior Day
- Played big in big games. In 2005 thriller vs. No. 2 Texas, picked off Vince Young, recovered one of the quarterback’s fumbles and forced another. Also closed senior year by sacking future brother in-law Brady Quinn twice in Fiesta Bowl triumph over Notre Dame, en route to the his second career Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP (also two years earlier)
- Nicknamed ‘A.J.’ by his parents, fans of legendary Indy car driver A.J. Foyt
- Grew his hair long in 2005 as a tribute to the late Pat Tillman, the former NFL player who lost his life with the U.S. Army while serving in Afghanistan
Bio
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