Linebacker Jordan Hicks spent just two of his 10 NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings but undoubtedly made an impact during his short stint in the Twin Cities, racking up 236 total tackles between the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, after which he signed a two-year deal with the Cleveland Browns.
Seemingly set to play a big role for the Browns during the upcoming 2025 season after starting all 12 games in which he appeared a season ago, the 33-year-old, who had yet to report to training camp due to what the team called personal reasons, abruptly announced his retirement on Friday by sharing his decision on Instagram.
"After 23 years of playing football, I’m officially retiring from the NFL.
Football has given me more than I could have ever imagined. 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.
To my teammates, coaches, fans, and most importantly, my family. Thank you for your unwavering support throughout this journey. I’m looking forward to this next season of life and all that it brings."
Former Minnesota Vikings LB Jordan Hicks retires from the NFL
Taken in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft with the 84th overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles, the former Texas Longhorn spent four seasons in the City of Brotherly Love, winning a Super Bowl ring in year three.
Sadly, he was unable to appear in the Eagles' Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots, as he suffered a torn Achilles in Week 7 of the 2017 regular season.
Following his stint in Philly, Hicks spent three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before signing a two-year, $10 million deal with the Vikings in 2022.
The Ohio native played a significant part in helping Minnesota win its first division title in five years that season, starting all 17 regular-season games and racking up the second-most tackles on the team (129) behind only fellow linebacker Eric Kendricks (137). He also tied with Harrison Smith for second in passes defended (10), trailing only Patrick Peterson (15).
Despite missing four games the following season after suffering a leg injury that landed him on injured reserve, Hicks amassed the third-most tackles (107) for the Vikings in 2023, trailing only safeties Camryn Bynum (137) and Josh Metellus (116).
He also notched the first and only fumble-return touchdown of his career that season in a Week 6 win over the Chicago Bears, going 42 yards to the house in a game in which he also recorded a team-high 10 tackles and an interception, thus earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Overall, in his two seasons in Minnesota, Hicks recorded 236 total tackles, six tackles for loss, six QB hits, 4.0 sacks, 15 passes defended, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and that 42-yard touchdown.
So, again, while his time with the Vikings was short, he certainly made his presence felt.