Son of Former Packers Draft Pick Ready for Challenge
GREEN BAY, Wis. – In 1994, the Green Bay Packers used a sixth-round draft pick on Tulane linebacker Ruffin Hamilton. On Tuesday, the Packers signed his son, former Vanderbilt and Louisiana Tech cornerback Elijah Hamilton.
What did his father tell him about Green Bay?
“Oh, man,” Hamilton said after his first practice with the Packers. “He told me that, one, there’s not really going to be much to do except football. Be ready to lock in and really take in what Wisconsin and what Green Bay has to offer. You’re going to be part of a great community, a lot of good people in the program. He let me know what that was, and it’s been true since I got here.”
Hamilton doesn’t have much time to learn his assignments and make his mark. Tuesday was the first of three practices this week before Saturday’s preseason finale at Lambeau Field against the Seattle Seahawks. The 53-man roster cutdown is Tuesday.
Hamilton has almost no chance of making the Week 1 roster but the 16-man practice squad, which will be formed a day later, is the prize. A strong background on special teams – that was his dad’s niche in the NFL – could prove helpful.
“It’s always a challenge coming into a new program but that’s why I love the game,” he said. “You’ve got to rise to the challenge and be ready for everything. I’m happy to be part of this organization. …
“I’ve been talking to [position coach Greg Williams] and he’s helping me learn the process, learn the schemes. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get in the game.”
Elijah Hamilton at Vanderbilt (Photo by USA Today Sports Images)
Ruffin Hamilton played one year for the Packers and three years for the Falcons. What was it like growing up as the son of a professional athlete and having those comparisons and expectations follow him everywhere?
“Growing up, I was in his shadow,” Hamilton said. “As I got to start playing football and got older, I wanted to make my own story and create my own purpose and do it for myself. Obviously, him being in the league, I have to take pointers all the time, but it’s always been about making my story and making my own way.”
Ruffin Hamilton coached his son for years, including all the way through high school.
“He was there every step of the way,” Hamilton said.
That meant being coached harder than the other players on the team.
“Absolutely. That’s just tough love. That comes with playing the game,” he said. “Dad having his little son playing football, he always wants the best for his son. So, that’s obviously going to come with some tough love sometimes.”
