Written By: Steve Lee
He may not have been the biggest name on the team or earned the most attention, but on July 25, 2025, when Cleveland Browns linebacker Jordan Hicks officially hung up his cleats and called it a career after ten seasons in the NFL, it was an announcement that made an impact throughout the league and especially in Cleveland.
A Thoughtful Goodbye on Social Media
Taking to Instagram, Hicks posted a simple message thanking everyone from his teammates, coaches, fans, and supporters over the course of his twenty-three-year football journey. With the average length of an NFL linebacker’s career being 3.3 years, Hicks more than tripled the expectations, and yet, his announcement caught everyone by surprise.
Tough Timing for a Browns Team in Transition
With training camp underway, the timing of Hicks’ retirement couldn’t have been worse for the Browns. A busy offseason has seen Cleveland gearing up for a season filled with high expectations with a revamped roster after last year’s disappointing 3-14 record following an impressive 11-6 record in 2023.
After losing Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah midway through the 2024 schedule with a neck injury that will see him miss the entire 2025 slate, and Devin Bush dealing with legal issues, Hicks was looked to as the anchor of a Browns linebacker unit desperately in need of veteran leadership.
Nonetheless, he will still be revered in Ohio. You can find more about the future of the Browns in NFL odds here: https://www.youbet.com/states/ohio/
A Career Impacted by Injuries and Personal Choice
The writing may have been on the wall for those paying attention over the last few seasons. Missing four games in 2023 due to a leg injury and five games during the 2024 season with an elbow injury, as well as the final game of the season with a concussion, the Colorado Springs native and father of three decided that his health was worth more than another season taking a beating on the gridiron. In a sport where careers often end with devastating, long-term injuries, Hicks took his fate into his own hands.
Drafted as a Role Player, Exceeded Expectations
Selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the Texas Longhorn wasn’t seen as a star player, but rather a reliable component who used his game knowledge, hard work, and preparation to carve out a role on four different teams over his decade-long journey. Although he stood 6’1”, 235lbs, and had the body built for his position, it was Hicks’ versatility and ability to rush the passer, cover tight ends, and stop the run with equal effectiveness that made him invaluable.
Reliable Numbers Over a Decade in the League
While his numbers aren’t Hall of Fame worthy, nor were they even good enough for a Pro Bowl spot, Hicks’ 952 tackles, 16.5 sacks, and 13 interceptions over 134 games (131 starts) proved to be a reliable member of any defensive unit.
From Super Bowl Winner to Veteran Mentor
Hicks would spend the majority of his career in the City of Brotherly Love, learning the pro game from an experienced defensive squad, and would eventually earn a Super Bowl ring with the Eagles despite being shut down midway through the season after suffering an Achilles injury. That injury could have been career-ending, but Hicks fought back with the same determination that defined his entire football career.
Leadership Roles Across the League
A three-year stint with the Arizona Cardinals saw Hicks develop into a leader and a primary contributor, while a two-year stop with the Minnesota Vikings added another chapter of steady but unspectacular production to his resume. Aside from the change of scenery, each move provided Hicks the opportunity to elevate his game, prove his adaptability and value to different coaching philosophies and defensive game plans.
Veteran Presence in Cleveland’s 2024 Season
In what would end up being his final NFL season, Hicks played the role of a veteran presence for a group of young talent, guiding the inexperienced Browns defense through the ups and downs of a losing season.
Browns Face Uncertainty at Linebacker
So where does this leave the Browns, who now find themselves in a challenging position at linebacker without two of their top options?
Carson Schwesinger, the Browns’ 2025 second-round draft pick, is likely the next man up after an impressive collegiate career at UCLA. Jerome Baker, who is now on his fourth team in three seasons, will also be given ample opportunity to prove to Cleveland’s front office and coaching staff that he is worth more than the one-year contract he signed in the spring. Mohamoud Diabate, an undrafted rookie in 2023, has shown promise over the past two years and is poised for a breakout season in 2025.
Will the Browns Look to the Free Agent Market?
There are a number of free-agent linebackers on the market, but the question the Browns have to ask is, are any of them better than the group that they already have? Adding anyone of worth will not only impact the team’s salary cap but also require one to quickly learn Cleveland’s playbook and build on-field chemistry in a short amount of time.
Hicks’ Legacy Is More Than Just Football
While the type of player that the Browns are seeking to fill the gap at the linebacker position is exactly what Jordan Hicks was, his decision to choose his family and health over football may be the most important and impactful move of his career. As for how the Browns deal with it, Hicks’ quiet retirement and sudden departure leave a “next man up” opportunity.