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 November 16, 1989) is an American former professional football defensive end. He was chosen by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft. He also played for the New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played college football at Sacramento City College and at the University of Regina.

Akiem Hicks's Early Life and College Journey

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

After 2008, he was seen as a top junior college player. He planned to play for LSU. But some issues made him unable to play there. So, he decided to move to Canada. He played college football for the Regina Rams in Canada. In his second year at Regina, he made 42 tackles and 6.5 sacks. He was named the best lineman in his league. A strong showing in a special game called the East-West Shrine Game helped NFL teams notice him.

Akiem Hicks's Professional Football Career

Akiem Hicks had a long and successful career in the NFL. He played for several teams. He was known for being a very strong defensive player.

Playing for the New Orleans Saints

Hicks with the Saints in 2012

The Saints picked Hicks in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft. This was their first pick that year. He was one of the highest-drafted players ever from Canadian college football. As a rookie in 2012, Hicks played in 14 games. He made 20 tackles and forced one fumble.

In 2013, Hicks started all 16 games. He made 43 tackles and 4.5 sacks. In 2014, he played 15 games. He had 42 tackles and two sacks. He played three games for the Saints in 2015 before being traded.

Playing for the New England Patriots

On September 30, 2015, Hicks was traded to the New England Patriots. He joined them for the rest of the 2015 season. On December 20, 2015, Hicks scored a touchdown. He recovered a fumble and ran it into the end zone. For the Patriots, he played 13 games. He made 21 tackles and three sacks. Overall in 2015, he played 16 games. The Patriots won their division that year.

Playing for the Chicago Bears

Joining the Bears in 2016

On March 13, 2016, Hicks signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Bears. He played his first game as a Bear on September 11, 2016. He had three tackles and forced a fumble. On October 31, 2016, Hicks got two sacks against the Minnesota Vikings. On December 4, 2016, he had a huge game. He made 10 tackles, two sacks, and forced a fumble. This earned him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award. His seven sacks that season were a new personal best for him.

2017 Season with the Bears

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

2018 Season and Pro Bowl

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

In 2018, Hicks had a great season. He was even ejected from one game for pushing an official. But he was not suspended. In Week 11, he sacked Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings. He also made five tackles for a loss. The Bears won that game.

Hicks also played a special role on offense sometimes. In one game, he ran for a one-yard touchdown! This play was called "Freezer Left." It was a tribute to William "The Refrigerator" Perry. Perry was another Bears defensive player who scored touchdowns. Hicks was the first Bears defensive player to score an offensive touchdown since 2001.

Hicks finished 2018 with 55 tackles and 7.5 sacks. He was chosen for the 2019 Pro Bowl. This is a special game where the best players from each conference play.

2019 Season with Injuries

In Week 1 of 2019, Hicks sacked Aaron Rodgers. In Week 3, he recovered a fumble. But he left that game with a knee injury. He was later placed on injured reserve. This meant he couldn't play for a while. He came back in December but got hurt again. He did not play for the rest of the season.

2020 Season Return

Hicks returned from injury in Week 1 of 2020. He sacked Matthew Stafford in a win against the Detroit Lions. In Week 2, he sacked Daniel Jones in another win.

2021 Season and More Injuries

Hicks started 2021 with a half sack in Week 1. He played in Weeks 2 and 3. Then he missed Weeks 4 and 5 due to injury. He came back for Week 6 and sacked Aaron Rodgers again. Hicks missed more games later in the season with an ankle sprain. He returned in Week 15 and sacked Kirk Cousins twice.

Playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On June 2, 2022, Hicks signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In Week 2, he suffered a foot injury. It was announced he would miss at least a month of games.

Akiem Hicks's NFL Career Stats

Here are some of Akiem Hicks's career statistics. These numbers show how well he played.

See Also

• Brian Piccolo Award