GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Celebrities, personalities and more are in Green Bay for the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft — including a former Packers fan-favorite.
A.J. Hawk is among the thousands in Titletown and caught up with Local 5 News to share his thoughts on the setup, his draft memories and what makes this community special.
Hawk says it felt great to return to the city where he spent most of his professional career.
“I got in town last night, and it’s always good to get back here,” said Hawk. “I actually was able to bring one of my kids with me, so getting to see everything and then seeing the spectacle of the draft — it’s pretty cool, and I’m excited for tonight.”
When reflecting on his own draft experience, Hawk remembered watching with family and secretly hoping for a call from the Packers.
“I was back in Ohio watching with my family, and I got the call from the Green Bay Packers — which I was actually secretly hoping for. I was always a Packers fan. Loved watching them, so it was amazing.”
After seeing how other cities have hosted the draft in recent years, Hawk praised how Green Bay has embraced the opportunity.
“This is wild. What the NFL has been doing with the draft is really cool. I was in Detroit last year getting to see that, and seeing how they’ve done it here in Green Bay — I can’t wait to see all the people out here. I think they’re going to be really excited. From when I landed and talking to people last night, they’re pumped up that it’s here.”
He also shared his appreciation for Packers President Mark Murphy, who is set to retire and is helping oversee this historic event.
“That’s what makes Green Bay so special — it’s the people. The whole state, especially around here. Getting to showcase that to the rest of the world is huge, and for Mark Murphy, I think to kind of go out this way, he should be very proud.”
LIVE: Local 5 News Special Coverage of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay
And when it comes to throwing a party, Hawk has no doubts the city is more than ready.
“They’ll be able to handle it. I saw people at 9 o’clock this morning with their tailgates up, setting up, people parking in yards. Bars are set up in front yards. Green Bay people — they know how to do it. They know how to host people and how to have fun. They’re ready.”
