Linebacker A.J. Hawk, the 5th overall player taken in the 2006 NFL draft who played in one game and was inactive for two others this season for the Atlanta Falcons, announced his retirement on Thursday.

Hawk told Albert Breer of The MMQB that he planned to file his retirement papers.

Hawk, who also played for the Green Bay Packers (2006-14) and Cincinnati Bengals (2015), was signed on Oct. 4 to provide depth at linebacker and play on special teams after a rash of injuries.

He played 19 snaps on special teams in the 23-16 win over the Denver Broncos on Oct. 9. He didn’t play in subsequent games against Seattle and San Diego before being released on Oct. 25.

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins drops back to pass against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in New Orleans. (Gerald Herbert/AP)

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Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
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