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LB A.J. Hawk (2x All-American, Lombardi Trophy, National Champion, Super Bowl Champion)

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DDN

5/15
Hawk hasn't forgotten his friends back home

By Doug Harris
Staff Writer
As the fifth pick in the NFL draft, new Green Bay Packer A.J. Hawk is poised to make about $7 million per season, and he already has endorsements worth an estimated $500,000. But he's one rookie who's not likely to be affected by his newfound riches.


Just ask Mark MacDonald.
A quadriplegic since birth, MacDonald became friends with Hawk while the two attended Centerville High School, and the bonds have only strengthened since then.
MacDonald has movement enough in one finger to operate a motorized wheelchair, and he was at his buddy's side during a recent autograph show at Bob Ross GMC.
And while plans for Hawk's wedding next year to Laura Quinn (the sister of the Notre Dame quarterback) haven't been finalized, MacDonald has been assured he has an invitation.
The linebacker from Ohio State usually stops by to see MacDonald during trips home, and the two chat frequently via e-mail.
"He's told me I'm an inspiration to him," MacDonald said.
McDonald, 23, was raised by foster parents Norm and Audrey Hassertt of Centerville and still requires round-the-clock care. And the couple have been touched by how grounded Hawk has remained while becoming a mega-star.
"Regardless of how many millions he's going to make, what matters is the people in your life," Norm Hassertt said. "It's all about relationships, and A.J. hasn't forgotten that."
 
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New A.J. jersey for sale at the offical team shop.

Legends of the shoe brand. Name on the back already and everything.

http://www.hangonsloopy.com/teamshop/ProductDisplay.aspx?CategoryId=44&ProductId=687


1447.jpg
 
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ESPN did a feature on the marketing prospects for AJ on their "Outside the Lines" late-night show. It was a rather odd piece - they said that he would be a good fit in Green Bay, but that the Wisconsin Dairy Board wouldn't use him as an endorser because of the long hair. Somebody did point out that since that was a tribute to Pat Tillman it should be viewed by most folks as a good thing.
 
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BB73 said:
ESPN did a feature on the marketing prospects for AJ on their "Outside the Lines" late-night show. It was a rather odd piece - they said that he would be a good fit in Green Bay, but that the Wisconsin Dairy Board wouldn't use him as an endorser because of the long hair. Somebody did point out that since that was a tribute to Pat Tillman it should be viewed by most folks as a good thing.
Click to expand...
For those that missed it, here's the episode synopsis from the ESPN site:

Green Bay's Mane Man
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
12:20 a.m. ET, 9:20 p.m. PT on ESPN

He may not have the otherworldly athleticism of Reggie Bush or Vince Young, the wingspan of Mario Williams, or the matinee idol looks of Matt Leinart. But AJ Hawk likes to fly below the radar. His long mane belies the fact that he's a small town guy who many insiders consider the safest pick of this NFL Draft. Fitting then, that this unassuming Midwesterner, should end up in Green Bay, the NFL's smallest market, where Packers fans have been waiting for decades to find a linebacker as nasty as Nitschke, a defensive player with the warrior mentality of Brett Favre. It could be a marriage made in marketing heaven. Some consider the former Ohio State All-America an ideal fit for a blue collar town looking for a new hero to replace an aging icon. Tonight on OUTSIDE THE LINES: Flying above the radar; How the Hawk will play off the field in the Heartland. Mark Schwarz hosts.
 
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They also said in the piece:

About 3,000 + AJ Hawk jerseys have been ordered nationally since the draft and that Hawks is one of the most requested Green Bay jerseys this season.....Not bad for a rookie Linebacker, eh?

His agent says that his hair is becoming his staple and that it wont be going "bye-bye" anytime soon.

He has all the attributes to easily replace Favres legacy as the GB staple player, when Farve retires.
 
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AirForceBuck said:
They also said in the piece:

About 3,000 + AJ Hawk jerseys have been ordered nationally since the draft and that Hawks is one of the most requested Green Bay jerseys this season.....Not bad for a rookie Linebacker, eh?

His agent says that his hair is becoming his staple and that it wont be going "bye-bye" anytime soon.

He has all the attributes to easily replace Favres legacy as the GB staple player, when Farve retires.
Click to expand...
my #50 Jersey is on order :)
 
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