Jordan Hicks’ decision to retire after a decade in the NFL has sent ripples through the Cleveland Browns organization and across the wider football community. A consummate professional, a leader in the locker room, and a cerebral presence on the field, Hicks walks away from the game not only as a respected veteran but as a player who leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, grit, and intelligent play at the linebacker position. His retirement signals more than the end of a playing career—it closes a chapter of dedication and quiet dominance that spanned ten seasons, multiple teams, and countless defensive battles.
Originally drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Hicks entered the league from the University of Texas with a reputation for having a high football IQ and an exceptional ability to diagnose plays before they developed. Despite battling through injuries early in his career, he wasted no time making an impact. In just his rookie season, Hicks flashed brilliance, recording 50 tackles, one sack, and two interceptions in just eight games before a torn pectoral ended his year. Those initial flashes of playmaking ability would become the hallmark of his career.
Hicks became the defensive glue for each team he played for, making stops in Philadelphia, Arizona, Minnesota, and finally Cleveland. Though he never craved the spotlight or headlines, his on-field production demanded attention. Over the course of 115 career games, Hicks tallied 864 tackles, 13.5 sacks, and 13 interceptions, along with countless other contributions that don’t always show up on the stat sheet. Whether it was anchoring a defense, mentoring younger players, or simply showing up every Sunday with a readiness to work, Hicks exemplified what it meant to be a pro.
Cleveland signed Hicks in the 2024 offseason to bring veteran stability and leadership to a promising defense. That move proved to be a savvy one. Despite being in the later stages of his career, Hicks led by example and provided a calm, reliable presence in the middle of the field. His experience was invaluable to a defense loaded with emerging stars, and his ability to communicate alignments, adjust schemes on the fly, and support the run game made him an essential piece of the Browns’ strategy. He wasn’t just filling a role; he was setting the tone.
What made Hicks so respected among teammates, coaches, and analysts was not just his production, but how he conducted himself. He was never the loudest voice in the room, yet his presence was undeniable. He studied film with a meticulousness that earned the admiration of defensive coordinators. He battled back from injury after injury with a resolve that inspired younger players. And even when he played through pain—something he did frequently—he never made excuses or pointed fingers. Jordan Hicks showed up, every single day, ready to be great.
His 2023 campaign with the Vikings was one of his most underrated, recording over 100 tackles and returning a fumble for a touchdown. That level of play at age 31 only reinforced that Hicks could still perform at a high level. When he signed with Cleveland, expectations were that he’d serve as a veteran mentor with spot starts. Instead, he started nearly every game, relaying plays, covering tight ends, and shutting down gaps like a man five years younger. His retirement, while perhaps surprising given how well he was still playing, speaks to the emotional and physical toll the game can exact over ten hard-fought years.
The timing of Hicks’ decision caught many off guard, but those close to him knew it had been in his thoughts for a while. Known for his introspective nature and careful planning, Hicks wasn’t going to wait until his body gave out completely or his skills deteriorated. He wanted to leave the game on his own terms—while still capable of making an impact, while still respected in every locker room he entered. And most importantly, he wanted to prioritize his family, health, and future beyond football.
Hicks exits the game with his head high, and with few regrets. He was a Super Bowl Champion with the Eagles in 2017, though he missed the actual playoff run due to an Achilles injury. That season, while personally heartbreaking, also taught him perspective. He learned to find fulfillment in team success, even if he wasn’t the one making the tackles. That balance of humility and competitiveness defined him throughout his career.
From blitzing quarterbacks to shutting down screen passes, Jordan Hicks did a little bit of everything on the field. Coaches loved his versatility—able to play both MIKE and WILL linebacker positions, shift into coverage, and even serve as a spy against mobile quarterbacks. He was an asset in both base and nickel packages, and his ability to read and react quickly made him a quarterback of the defense. Film rooms often cited his play recognition and anticipation as elite, and young linebackers around the league often spoke of modeling their preparation after his.
Off the field, Hicks was just as impactful. He was involved in numerous community outreach programs in every city he played in, especially focused on youth development and education. His “Hicks Huddle” charity initiative, which promoted literacy and mentorship for underprivileged children, was especially beloved in Philadelphia and Arizona. As someone who valued academics and personal growth, Hicks often encouraged players around him to take advantage of the NFL’s educational and financial programs. His leadership wasn’t just limited to Sundays—it was constant, daily, and deeply appreciated.
Now, as the Browns adjust to life without Hicks on their roster, they’ll face a difficult challenge replacing his leadership and production. While there are younger players on the roster ready to step up, none bring the exact blend of intellect, toughness, and steady hand that Hicks offered. Head coach Kevin Stefanski and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz have already acknowledged the void Hicks will leave, both in terms of Xs and Os and in the culture of the team. One Browns player described him as “a lighthouse in the fog”—always steady, always guiding others.
As fans and fellow players reflect on Hicks’ career, it becomes clear that he wasn’t just a solid linebacker—he was a foundational player. Not flashy, but fiercely effective. Not boastful, but undeniably respected. His career stands as proof that hard work, football intelligence, and consistency can build a lasting impact even without the glitz of Pro Bowls or viral highlights. He may not end up in Canton, but for every team he played on, he was as indispensable as any star.
Retirement, for many athletes, is a time of uncertainty. But Hicks seems prepared. He’s already expressed interest in possibly transitioning into coaching, scouting, or broadcasting, where his deep understanding of the game could continue to shine. And there’s little doubt that if he decides to return to football in some capacity, teams would line up to benefit from his insight. He also looks forward to spending more time with his family, who stood by him through surgeries, relocations, and the relentless rhythm of NFL life.
In a league where careers are often short and brutal, ten seasons is an achievement unto itself. To play at a high level throughout those years, across multiple teams, and in various schemes, is a testament to Hicks’ adaptability and resolve. And to walk away with his dignity, reputation, and body largely intact—that is the dream for many professionals.
As the NFL moves forward and new stars emerge, Jordan Hicks’ name may gradually fade from highlight reels, but those who played with him or coached him will never forget his presence. He made football better—smarter, tougher, more disciplined. He gave everything he had to the game, and now, the game salutes him on his way out.
So as Jordan Hicks laces up his cleats for the last time, the football world bids farewell to one of the game’s great quiet warriors. A linebacker’s linebacker. A professional’s professional. A man who came into the league with something to prove—and leaves having proven everything that truly matters.
