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In this edition of Time and Change we have the chance to visit with former Ohio State linebacker and current Green Bay Packer, A.J. Hawk. I had a great visit with A.J. the other day as he was on his way home after practices and meetings at the Packers training camp.

My son Matthew, who is one of the toughest kids I have ever known and preparing to play Division II college football, has two pictures of Hawk on his dorm room wall. One is Jack Lambert, a Hall of Famer for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The other is of Hawk, who ironically won the Jack Lambert Trophy in 2005 as the best linebacker in college football.

It's not the only thing that defined Hawk during his tenure at Ohio State. He won the Lombardi Trophy in 2005, was selected as a two-time All-American, played in four bowl games (three Fiesta Bowls and the Alamo Bowl), and served as a team captain. Now, Hawk is entering his eighth year with the Packers.

Considering all those accomplishments, I asked A.J. to describe the greatest experiences in all of his football playing days. It never ceases to amaze me that these former Buckeyes and NFL stars always identify their college playing experiences as the greatest. Hawk was no exception to that rule.

"I had so many great experiences at Ohio State, but winning the 2002 National Championship in the Fiesta Bowl against Miami was absolutely the greatest experience that I have ever had in football," Hawk said. "Being able to play and contribute as a freshman on that team was an incredible feeling."

Hawk also touched on his other bowl game experiences.

"I am also proud to have played in three Fiesta Bowls and the Alamo Bowl and we won them all," Hawk said. "I would be lying to you, though, if I didn't say that sacking my brother in law (former Notre Dame and current Seattle Seahawks quarterback Brady Quinn) twice in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl wasn't also a very special experience. It certainly gives me bragging rights whenever the entire family is together." (Hawk married Quinn's sister, Laura.)

As I often do in my Time and Change articles, I asked A.J. who was his Bob Fenton. Everyone in their life has a "Bob Fenton" -- a person who went out of their way to help them grow and advance in athletics, education and life.

Recently, many of the players with whom I have been speaking, have identified a common individual, who contributed significantly to their lives. I am absolutely not surprised with Hawk's response.

"My parents were obviously very important in my growth and development," Hawk said. "But one person who went out of his way and still does to this day is (former Ohio State coach) Jim Tressel. Coach Tressel helped me with football, my education, work ethic and, more than anything, he helped me with everyday life. He still does to this day. We talk almost every week and I have now been gone from Ohio State going on eight years. Coach Tress was a great coach, but also a great leader and a great man. I am proud to have played for him and proud to call him my friend."

Aaron James Hawk (nicknamed "A.J." by his parents since birth after legendary Indy car driver A.J. Foyt) has an incredible work ethic. Just read what some former Ohio State greats, teammates and Green Bay Packers leaders had to say about him:

"He's amazing. All he does is work. He loves it, loves practice, loves the weight room, loves to hit people. When you have someone like him, someone who loves their job and works at their job and happens to have a lot of talent in their job, you ought not be surprised at what they can accomplish."

"He does things on the football field that stop you in your tracks and grab your attention."

"We're very pleased that he's a Green Bay Packer."

"He is a great player, but he's not a guy who walks around bragging on himself. He's a humble guy, a selfless guy."

"Play after play, A.J. is a guy who is going to give you 110 percent."

"He practices as hard as he plays, and nobody plays the game harder than A.J."

"He's always around the ball. He just sees it and gets there and makes the play. Not flashy, but when he gets up he's always getting off the pile."

I also ask many former Buckeyes in these "Time and Change" articles: "What makes you proud about Ohio State and Ohio State Football? Hawk was no exception.

"The greatest experiences in my life were at Ohio State, but I am most proud of the consistent level of excellence that Ohio State maintains. We're always at the top, we play by the rules and we do things the right way," he said.

In addition to his career as a professional football player, Hawk holds a degree in criminology and is interested in law enforcement following his NFL career.

Something tells me that should he pursue a career after football in law enforcement, we will all be better because of his efforts.

Some things should never change.

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