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.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. (left) fights for the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Ryan Miller watches during the second half of an NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

The city of Atlanta opened Azalea Fresh Market downtown to help residents find affordable groceries. (Natrice Miller/AJC)