After 9 seasons and what was tweeted as a “failed physical” by Albert Breer, the Green Bay Packers have released veteran linebacker A.J. Hawk. The decision was imminent it seemed. Once being a key contributor to many successful seasons for the Packers, Hawk has failed to fill the appropriate role of middle linebacker in the high octane defensive schemes of Dom Capers. There is plenty of blame to go around I am sure. The Packers and Hawk are handling the separation with the class to be expected of an NFL franchise and one of its members.
A.J Hawk has been a mainstay of the green and yellow defensive unit for nearly a decade. As a fifth overall pick out of Ohio State, Hawk might have been considered a bust by many NFL standards. Never reaching over 100 solo tackles in nine years as the only consistent middle linebacker might speak to that. However he played well in the system built around other key players. Since losing some of those pieces the Packers have been bleeding rushing yards. A.J. Hawk shoulders some of that responsibility.
I am a Packers fan. I am sad to see a great player go. I am much more interested in shoring up a terrible defense. I am sure the upper management of Title Town feels the same way.
Hawk leaving a great team is a loss that must be suffered. Hawk has time in front of him to build a veteran career somewhere else. He is still a talented player and will succeed highly on a team less likely to lean on him for individual statistics. What Hawk might lack down the road in physical prowess, he will more than make up for with his penchant for success, veteran attitude, and positivity towards being coached in a system.
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