Total Pro Sports
Cleveland Browns linebacker Jordan Hicks is putting football in the rearview.
Hicks, a 10-year NFL veteran, officially announced his retirement from professional football on Friday morning in a heartfelt Instagram post.
“After 23 years of playing football, I’m officially retiring from the NFL,” he wrote. “Football has given me more than I could have ever imagined… I walk away with peace knowing I gave football all I had, and that the best is yet to come.”
The 33-year-old was a third-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015 and wasted little time establishing himself as a key defensive player, contributing to the team’s Super Bowl-winning campaign three seasons later.
He later joined the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings, registering consecutive 100+ tackle seasons from 2019 to 2023.
Hicks signed a two-year deal with the Browns in 2024 and, despite battling injuries, was a dependable contributor in his 12 appearances. He was expected to be an important veteran presence in the defense this upcoming season, but has decided to walk away from the game.
His decision also comes at a crucial time for the Browns, who have lost Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah to a season-ending neck injury. They will likely depend heavily on rookie Carson Schwesinger and third-year LB Mohamoud Diabate following his exit.
Jordan Hicks leaves the NFL on the back of 143 appearances in which he registered 952 tackles, 16.5 sacks, and 13 interceptions.
Despite racking up close to 1,000 tackles, making over 100 tackles in five straight seasons, and winning a Super Bowl, the 33-year-old never received a Pro Bowl or All-Pro selection. He’s one of the most prominent examples of consistency and leadership failing to translate to personal recognition.
Still, Hicks earned the respect of contemporaries and fans. He also earned $44 million in his 10 seasons in the pros.
We wish him the best in retirement.
