After nine seasons, Packers cut linebacker A.J. Hawk

By the time it ended, linebacker A.J. Hawk had put together a pretty good career for the Green Bay Packers.

Hawk was never quite worth the No. 5 overall pick the Packers used to take him in 2006, having never made a Pro Bowl in nine seasons. But he played 142 games, starting 136, is the franchise's leader in tackles (since 1975) with 1,118 stops and was part of a Super Bowl champion.

Hawk's Packers career ended on Wednesday when the team released him. Maybe he wasn't the star you'd hope for with a top-five pick, but it wasn't a bad run.

“A.J. is a consummate Packer and we are grateful for all that he has given and how he represented the organization over the past nine seasons,” Packers general manager Ted Thompson said in a statement.

At 31, Hawk should find another opportunity. He's durable and while not a playmaker from the inside, he's reliable and solid. Hawk expressed his thanks to the Packers in a classy statement as he was released.

“I spent nine great years in Green Bay. I had awesome teammates and coaches and a great medical staff and equipment staff. Many of them have become my closest friends. We won a ton of games, as well as a Super Bowl, and I loved everything about playing for one of the greatest franchises in all of sports,” Hawk said. “The fans in Green Bay are incredible. Between playing at Lambeau Field as well as seeing them on the road, they always supported us. I am looking forward to my next opportunity in the NFL, but I’ll always cherish my years as a Green Bay Packer.”

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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdowncorner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @YahooSchwab