Concussions and illnesses* are like Bigfoot to meathead football players. AJ Hawk embodies what all middle linebackers and meatheads alike dream of being. Even when a player like AJ Hawk has the flu, there’s no way they aren’t stepping onto the field. Nothing would stop AJ Hawk from playing, and smashing his head into offensive lineman and running backs.

*COVID-19 excluded because it takes all of us

Today is the 7 year flu game anniversary for AJ Hawk. Few people realize it’s the same game he had a highlight reel, one-handed interception. It feels like centuries ago when AJ disguised his coverage perfectly, read Ben Roethlisberger like a book, and got his mangled hand on Big Ben’s pass.

AJ Hawk is too humble to talk about his on field accomplishments. You have to poke and prod AJ to force out stories about his legendary career. Like the time he battled the flu and played 100% of the defensive snaps, had 6 tackles, a pass defended, and an interception. AJ had 9 interceptions during his 159 game career and one of them came during his flu game.

When you hear “flu game”, you think of Michael Jordan in game 5 of the 1997 NBA finals. Jordan really played up the drama in that game. I mean, it was an entire episode on The Last Dance. AJ Hawk would never do something like that, and bring so much attention to himself.

Michael Jordan posted 38 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and a block during his flu game. He gave the Bulls the lead with less than a minute left to give Chicago the victory. Jordan’s performance was just another night at the office for him. He did what he always did, he just happened to be a bit under the weather.

Even though it was on a smaller stage, Hawk’s flu game was more impressive. For one, he was playing a real sport against bigger and better athletes. He also had one of his rare interceptions and it came against a hall of fame quarterback. AJ’s flu game was not just another game like it was for MJ.

Did the Packers lose despite AJ Hawk’s heroic effort? Yes, they did. That fact is irrelevant since Matt Flynn was playing for an injured Aaron Rodgers. AJ hawk is only one man, and despite what his jaw line would lead you to believe, he is human.

Oh, AND he had a broken freaking wrist. Good luck convincing anyone that MJ’s flu game was a more monumental athletic feat than AJ Hawk’s.