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Jordan Hicks retires from the NFL after a successful 10-year career

by: Jackson Buss07/27/25
Jordan Hicks
Jordan Hicks (Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)

Former Texas linebacker Jordan Hicks is retiring from the NFL after a strong 10-year career. Despite dealing with several injuries throughout his college career, Hicks appeared in 45 games for the Longhorns in his five seasons and earned 2nd team All-America honors in 2014. 

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Hicks was a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, and the Cleveland Browns. He finishes his career with 952 total tackles (51 for loss), 16.5 sacks, 53 pass breakups, 13 interceptions, six forced fumbles, and 11 fumble recoveries. He also scored two career touchdowns — one on a pick-six and another on a scoop-and-score.

Hicks announced his retirement on social media, sharing a heartfelt message: “Football has given me more than I could have ever imagined,” Hicks wrote in his post. “Purpose, discipline, brotherhood, and a platform to impact others. But most importantly it showed me who I am outside the game. I leave this chapter with deep gratitude for every lesson, challenge, and victory. I’m proud of what I accomplished on the field, but even more proud of the man I’ve become because of it.” 

He concluded by alluding to future plans, “I’m looking forward to this next season of life and all that it brings. I walk away with peace knowing I gave football all I had, and that the best is yet to come.

Hicks was drafted in the third round by the Philadelphia Eagles who he won a Super Bowl with in 2018. He followed that season with 150 tackles and three interceptions for the Cardinals,and would eclipse 100 tackles each of the next four seasons. Hicks’ retirement came as somewhat of a surprise, as he was expected to be a leader and a key contributor in a weak and short-handed Cleveland linebacker room.

As a senior, Hicks led the Longhorns in tackles with 147 and was second on the team with 13 tackles for loss. He served as a major vocal leader for Texas, something he carried into the NFL. He was a respected voice in every locker room he joined, and despite battling injuries his entire career, was a pillar of consistency when he was on the field. 

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Although he suited up in the burnt orange during one of the darkest periods in Texas football history, his contribution to those teams won’t be forgotten.

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