A.J. Hawk
Linebacker A.J. Hawk’s contract runs through the 2015 season, but he knows there’s always a chance the Green Bay Packers won’t keep him around beyond this season.
The nine-year veteran has seen his snaps diminish significantly in the last few weeks. He played just eight snaps in the Packers 3-4 base defense during last Monday night’s win over the Atlanta Falcons.
The Packers, in an attempt to improve defensively moved Clay Matthews into the middle and he’s been joined by Sam Barrington in the nickel package.
Hawk was drafted fifth overall in the 2005 draft and has been the teams most durable player ever since. But the latest defensive change could signal the possibility of Hawk’s time in Green Bay drawing to a close.
AUDIO: Hawk said this is not a shot to his ego :21
AUDIO: Hawk said he’s not losing sleep, it’s still full speed ahead :17
Hawk agreed to meet with reporters out of respect. But he doesn’t want his diminished role to become a storyline. “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 the storyline,” said Hawk.
Hawk currently ranks second on the team in tackles with 83. He’s not sure if this is his final year in Green Bay or not. But if it is, he wants to make it count by adding a second Super Bowl ring.
As for his younger replacement, Hawk said Sam Barrington is playing great.