NFL News Roundup: Browns LB Jordan Hicks Announces Retirement After 10 Seasons in the League…read more…
After a decade of leadership, consistency, and resilience in the National Football League, Cleveland Browns linebacker Jordan Hicks has officially announced his retirement from professional football. The 32-year-old veteran revealed his decision in an emotional statement on Thursday morning, bringing an end to a career that saw him suit up for three NFL franchises and overcome multiple injuries to remain one of the league’s most dependable linebackers.
“I’ve given this game everything I have,” Hicks said in a heartfelt social media post. “It’s given me incredible memories, lifelong friendships, and life lessons that go far beyond the field. It’s time for the next chapter.”
A Career Built on Grit and Intelligence
Originally selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round (84th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft out of the University of Texas, Hicks quickly made his mark with his football IQ, sideline-to-sideline speed, and natural instincts. In just his rookie year, he flashed Pro Bowl potential before a torn pectoral muscle cut his season short.
Despite injuries early in his career, Hicks bounced back and became a cornerstone of the Eagles’ defense. He played a pivotal role during their 2017 Super Bowl run, although he missed the postseason due to a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered midseason. His leadership in the locker room remained impactful even off the field.
Over four seasons with the Eagles, Hicks recorded 254 total tackles, 7 interceptions, and 5 sacks in 43 games, establishing himself as a versatile and cerebral linebacker capable of anchoring a defense.
Revitalizing in Arizona
Following the 2018 season, Hicks signed a four-year, $36 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. It was in Arizona that he played some of his most productive football. In 2019, he started all 16 games, posted a career-high 150 total tackles, and served as the quarterback of the Cardinals’ defense.
In three seasons in Arizona, Hicks compiled 384 total tackles, 5 sacks, and 4 interceptions in 49 games. His durability was a hallmark, starting every game during his tenure in the desert. Despite the arrival of younger talent, including first-round pick Isaiah Simmons, Hicks never relinquished his leadership role or work ethic.
In 2022, the Cardinals released Hicks in a cost-cutting move, but his career was far from over.
Final Chapters: Minnesota and Cleveland
Shortly after his release, Hicks signed a two-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings. In his first year with the team (2022), he started 16 games and recorded 129 total tackles, proving he still had plenty left in the tank. His veteran presence helped stabilize the Vikings’ linebacker unit during their NFC North-winning campaign.
In 2023, Hicks remained a steady presence on the field but dealt with a health scare midseason when he was hospitalized with a leg contusion that turned into a compartment syndrome. After a brief stint on injured reserve, he returned to the field and finished the season strong. He was also named the Vikings’ Ed Block Courage Award winner, recognizing his perseverance through adversity.
The Cleveland Browns signed Hicks during the 2024 offseason, looking to add a seasoned voice and sure tackler to their linebacker corps. He participated in offseason workouts and minicamp but ultimately decided to hang up his cleats before training camp began.
A Legacy of Leadership
Across 10 NFL seasons, Jordan Hicks played in 123 games (115 starts), finishing his career with 940 total tackles, 13.5 sacks, 13 interceptions, and 6 fumble recoveries. Though he never made a Pro Bowl, his impact was deeply felt within every locker room he entered.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski praised Hicks’ professionalism following his announcement.
“Jordan is the type of player every coach hopes to have — accountable, tough, smart, and selfless,” Stefanski said. “He brought a championship mindset every day, and even though we only had him for a short time, his influence was immediate.”
Teammates past and present also took to social media to salute Hicks. Vikings linebacker Brian Asamoah called him “a mentor and a brother,” while former Eagles teammate Malcolm Jenkins praised Hicks as “one of the most underrated leaders I’ve ever played with.”
Life After Football
Hicks has long hinted at a future beyond football that could involve media, coaching, or charitable work. He holds a degree from Texas in applied learning and development and has been involved in youth mentorship initiatives during his playing days.
He also co-founded a mental wellness initiative for athletes called “Mind Over Matter” in 2021, aiming to provide resources for players dealing with the pressures of professional sports. Sources close to Hicks suggest he may expand that effort now that he’s retired.
Though the next steps haven’t been publicly outlined, Hicks expressed excitement for what lies ahead. “I’ve always believed in preparing for life after football just as seriously as I prepared for Sundays,” he wrote. “Now I get to be a full-time dad, husband, and mentor — and I’m ready.”
Final Salute
Jordan Hicks may not have been a household name outside hardcore NFL circles, but within the league, he was deeply respected. His ability to battle through adversity, lead by example, and make clutch plays in critical moments made him a coach’s dream and a teammate’s blessing.
As the NFL continues to evolve with younger talent, Hicks’ retirement is a reminder of the value veteran players bring — not just in performance, but in culture, accountability, and leadership. His career stands as a testament to perseverance and purpose.
From the Eagles to the Cardinals, the Vikings, and finally the Browns, Jordan Hicks’ NFL journey was marked by substance over spotlight. And for
10 seasons, he left the game better than he found it.
