Domenik Hixon facts for kids
Hixon represents the Panthers at the Do the Right Thing 2013 Awards
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| No. 12, 87 | |||||||||
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| Position: | Wide receiver | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born: | October 8, 1984 Neunkirchen, West Germany |
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| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 197 lb (89 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | Whitehall (OH) Whitehall-Yearling | ||||||||
| College: | Akron | ||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 2006 / Round: 4 / Pick: 130 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||||
Domenik Hixon (born October 8, 1984) is a former professional football player. He played as a wide receiver and a return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). Domenik was chosen by the Denver Broncos in the 2006 NFL Draft. He also played college football at Akron. Hixon was a key player for the New York Giants, helping them win two Super Bowl championships against the New England Patriots. He also played for the Carolina Panthers and the Chicago Bears.
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Early Life and High School Sports
Domenik Hixon was born on October 8, 1984. His father was African American, and his mother was German. He grew up in Whitehall, Ohio.
Multi-Sport Athlete
Hixon attended Whitehall-Yearling High School. He was a talented athlete who played four different sports. He earned a "letterman" award in football, basketball, track, and baseball.
- In basketball, he was a point guard and received an Honorable Mention All-State award.
- In track, he was good at the high jump, clearing a height of 6 feet 5 inches.
Domenik Hixon was also high school teammates with Keiwan Ratliff, who later became an NFL defensive back.
College Football Career
Domenik Hixon played college football at the University of Akron. He was an important player for the Akron Zips.
Akron's First MAC Championship
During his time at Akron, Hixon was a main target for quarterback Charlie Frye. In 2005, Hixon helped Akron win its first-ever MAC Championship. In the championship game, quarterback Luke Getsy threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Hixon. This play happened with only 11 seconds left in the game and secured the win for Akron.
Professional NFL Career
Domenik Hixon played for several teams during his time in the NFL. He was known for his skills as a wide receiver and a return specialist.
Playing for the Denver Broncos
Hixon started his NFL career with the Denver Broncos. He played in four games during the 2007 season. He was the team's main kick returner.
- In the first game of the 2007 season, a player from the opposing team, Kevin Everett, suffered a serious spinal cord injury while tackling Hixon. Everett later made a good recovery but could not play football again.
- The Broncos released Hixon in early October 2007.
Time with the New York Giants
After leaving the Broncos, Hixon quickly joined the New York Giants. He soon became their main kickoff returner.
Key Plays and Super Bowl Wins
- On November 25, 2007, Hixon caught his first reception for 5 yards against the Minnesota Vikings.
- He made a big impact in the final game of the 2007 regular season against the undefeated New England Patriots. Hixon returned a kickoff 74 yards for a touchdown, putting the Giants ahead 14–10 in the second quarter.
- During the Giants' journey to Super Bowl XLII, Hixon returned 10 kickoffs, averaging 25.3 yards per return. His returns often gave the Giants good starting field position.
- In the NFC Championship game on January 20, 2008, Hixon recovered a crucial fumble late in the fourth quarter. The Giants won that game in overtime.
- Hixon also made two special teams tackles in the 2007 playoffs.
Starting Role and Injuries
- In the 2008 preseason, Hixon showed his talent by catching two touchdown passes and returning an 82-yard kickoff for a touchdown, all in the first quarter of a game against the Cleveland Browns.
- He was forced to start in Week 5 of the 2008 NFL season when another Giants wide receiver, Plaxico Burress, was suspended.
- In his first career start, Hixon had four catches for 102 yards and a touchdown. He left the game early due to a concussion.
- Hixon became a starter again in Week 14 for the rest of the season after Burress was suspended.
- Unfortunately, Hixon suffered a torn ACL (a serious knee injury) during practice on June 16, 2010. This injury kept him out for the entire season.
- He returned to play in the 2011 preseason. However, in Week 2 of the 2011 NFL season, Hixon tore his ACL again while making a catch. This second injury also ended his season.
Career Statistics with Giants
During his time with the Giants, Hixon made 31 special teams tackles. He caught 63 passes for 838 yards and four touchdowns. He also returned 51 punts for 561 yards and one touchdown, and 80 kickoffs for 1,966 yards and one touchdown.
Playing for the Carolina Panthers
On April 3, 2013, Domenik Hixon signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers.
- In a Week 16 game against the New Orleans Saints, Hixon caught a game-winning 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cam Newton. This play helped the Panthers win 17–13 and take first place in the NFC South division.
Time with the Chicago Bears
On March 13, 2014, Hixon signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears.
- On May 27, 2014, during team activities, he suffered a torn ACL for the third time in his career.
Retirement from Football
After his third ACL injury, Domenik Hixon announced his retirement from the NFL on his Facebook page. On June 3, 2014, the Bears ended his contract.
Charity Work and Community Involvement
Domenik Hixon is also involved in charity work. He co-founded the Next Level Football Camp with Anthony Jordan.
- This camp helps children from less fortunate backgrounds in the Columbus, Ohio, area.
- It provides a summer football training program.
- In the past, other NFL players like Lance Moore and Chase Blackburn have helped out at the camp.
