Meet new Falcons linebacker A.J. Hawk

A. J. Hawk

A. J. Hawk

Falcons linebacker A.J. Hawk, who signed a one-year contract on Wednesday, had his first practice with the team on Thursday.

Hawk, a former Green Bay Packer and Cincinnati Bengals, will provide depth at middle and weakside linebacker and play on special teams, according to head coach Dan Quinn.

Here’s what he had to say:

On practicing:

“The reps that I do get in practice I have to try to make the most of them for sure. I’m trying to lean on the other guys and ask them questions. I have to try to see the defense through their eyes.”

On former teammate and defensive backs coach Marquand Manuel:

“I’ve already been in his ear asking him a bunch of stuff. I feel great physically. Mentally, it’s the main thing to figure out whatever role I might have, to try to perfect that.”

On if he fits the Falcons’ defensive scheme:

“I’ve played 4-3, 3-4, back and forth between different positions and schemes over my years. Anything that you can have some (recall) on, it could be from six or seven years ago, hopefully that’s something that I can use to my advantage.”

On bringing knowledge to the team:

“I don’t ever claim to be the guy who has all of the answers. I don’t want to be … .everyone hates the old guy who comes in and wants to give advice. I’m not going to be that dude, I promise. I’m going to asking these guys a lot of questions.”