Akiem Hicks facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Akiem Hicks

Hicks with the Bears in 2019
No. 76, 72, 96
Position:	Defensive end
Personal information
Born:	(1989-11-16) November 16, 1989 (age 35) Elk Grove, California, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:	335 lb (152 kg)
Career information
High school:	Del Campo (Fair Oaks, California)
College:	Sacramento City (2007–2008)
University:	Regina (2010–2011)
NFL Draft:	2012 / Round: 3 / Pick: 89
Career history
New Orleans Saints (2012–2015) New England Patriots (2015) Chicago Bears (2016–2021) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2022)
Career highlights and awards
Pro Bowl (2018) 100 greatest Bears of All-Time CIS First-Team All-Canadian (2011)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 409 Sacks: 41.5 Forced fumbles: 6 Fumble recoveries: 6 Pass deflections: 12
Player stats at PFR

Akiem Jamar Hicks, born on November 16, 1989, is a former professional football player. He played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). Hicks was chosen by the New Orleans Saints in the 2012 NFL draft. He also played for the New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Before the NFL, he played college football at Sacramento City College and the University of Regina.

Early Life and College Football Journey

Akiem Hicks grew up in Sacramento, California. He was born in Elk Grove, California. He went to Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks, California. Hicks started his college football career at Sacramento City College.

After the 2008 season, he was considered a top junior college player. He planned to play for LSU. However, some rules were broken during his recruitment, making him unable to play for LSU in 2009. Hicks then worked at a call center while deciding his next steps. He chose to continue his education and football career in Canada. He joined the Regina Rams at the University of Regina.

In his second year at Regina, Hicks had 42 tackles and 6.5 sacks. He was named the top lineman in his college athletic conference. A strong performance in the East-West Shrine Game helped NFL scouts notice him.

Akiem Hicks's Professional Football Career

Playing for the New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints picked Akiem Hicks in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft. This was the Saints' first pick that year. Hicks was the ninth player from Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) to be drafted into the NFL. He was also the second-highest CIS player ever picked in the NFL draft.

As a rookie in 2012, Hicks played 14 games. He made 20 tackles, defended one pass, and forced one fumble. In 2013, he started all 16 games. He had 43 tackles and 4.5 sacks. In 2014, he played 15 games with 42 tackles and two sacks. He also defended two passes. Hicks played three games for the Saints at the start of the 2015 season.

Time with the New England Patriots

On September 30, 2015, Hicks was traded to the New England Patriots. He joined them in exchange for tight end Michael Hoomanawanui. On December 20, 2015, Hicks scored a touchdown for the Patriots. He recovered a fumble by Chandler Jones and ran it into the end zone.

For the rest of the 2015 season with the Patriots, Hicks played 13 games. He had 21 tackles, three sacks, and that touchdown. Overall in 2015, playing for both teams, Hicks played 16 games and made 24 tackles. The Patriots won their division but lost in the AFC Championship game.

Years with the Chicago Bears

Joining the Bears in 2016

On March 13, 2016, Hicks signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Bears. He made his Bears debut on September 11, 2016, against the Houston Texans. He recorded 3 tackles and forced a fumble. Hicks got his first sack of the season on October 2, 2016, against the Detroit Lions. On October 31, 2016, he had two sacks against the Minnesota Vikings.

On December 4, 2016, Hicks had a great game against the San Francisco 49ers. He recorded 10 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble. This performance earned him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award. Hicks finished the season with a career-high seven sacks.

2017 and 2018 Seasons

On September 9, 2017, Hicks signed a new four-year contract with the Bears. In the first game of the 2017 season, he had two sacks against the Atlanta Falcons.

Hicks with Roquan Smith, DeAndre Houston-Carson, and Khalil Mack of the Chicago Bears in 2018

During Week 4 of the 2018 season, Hicks was involved in a small incident. He was not suspended but received a fine. In Week 11 against the Minnesota Vikings, Hicks sacked quarterback Kirk Cousins. He also had a career-best five tackles that stopped the opponent from gaining yards. The Bears won that game.

Hicks sometimes played on offense during the 2018 season. In a game against the New York Giants, he even scored a touchdown. He ran the ball one yard into the end zone. This play was called "Freezer Left" by his coach, honoring a famous Bears player named William "The Refrigerator" Perry. Hicks was the first Bears defensive player to score an offensive touchdown since 2001.

Hicks finished the 2018 season with 55 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. He was chosen for the 2019 Pro Bowl team.

2019 and Later Seasons with the Bears

In Week 1 of 2019, Hicks recorded a sack against the Green Bay Packers. In Week 3, he recovered a fumble but left the game with a knee injury. He later had an elbow injury and was placed on injured reserve. He returned to play in December but reaggravated his injury. He did not play for the rest of the season.

Hicks returned from injury in Week 1 of the 2020 season. He sacked Matthew Stafford in a win against the Detroit Lions. In Week 2, he had another sack against the New York Giants.

In 2021, Hicks started with a half sack in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams. He missed some games due to injuries. He returned in Week 6 to sack Aaron Rodgers. Hicks missed more games with an ankle sprain. He came back in Week 15 against the Minnesota Vikings and sacked Kirk Cousins twice.

Playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On June 2, 2022, Hicks signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On September 20, 2022, it was announced that Hicks would miss at least a month of games. He had a foot injury in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints.

Career Statistics