Dwight Hicks facts for kids
Hicks in September 2008
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| Position: | Safety | ||||||
| Personal information | |||||||
| Born: | April 5, 1956 Mount Holly Township, New Jersey, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||
| Weight: | 190 lb (86 kg) | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| High school: | Pennsauken (NJ) | ||||||
| College: | Michigan | ||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1978 / Round: 6 / Pick: 150 | ||||||
| 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 | |||||||
Dwight Hicks, born on April 5, 1956, is a former American professional football player. He was a safety, a key defensive position, mostly for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL). During his time with the 49ers, he helped them win two Super Bowls and was chosen for the Pro Bowl four times.
Before joining the NFL, Hicks played college football for the Michigan Wolverines. He started his professional journey with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 1978. He played seven seasons with the 49ers from 1979 to 1985, and ended his career with the Indianapolis Colts in 1986.
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Early Football Days
Dwight Hicks played high school football at Pennsauken High School in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey. In 1972, he helped his team achieve an impressive 9–1 record. This success led to them being ranked #2 in South Jersey.
After high school, Hicks went on to play for the University of Michigan from 1975 to 1978. There, he played multiple positions. He was a safety, a punt returner, and even a "wolfman" on the field.
Professional Football Career
Hicks began his professional football journey in 1978 with the CFL's Toronto Argonauts. He played three games as a defensive back and punt returner.
Becoming a 49ers Star
From 1981 to 1984, Dwight Hicks was selected for the Pro Bowl four times. He was a very important player for the 49ers during the 1980s. He helped his team win two NFL Championships in Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XIX.
In the 1981 season, Hicks was a standout player. He led the NFL with nine interceptions. He also had 239 return yards from those interceptions. He made a huge play in Super Bowl XVI against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Super Bowl XVI Heroics
Early in Super Bowl XVI, the 49ers lost the ball, giving the Bengals a chance to score. The Bengals moved the ball close to the 49ers' goal line. But Hicks made a crucial interception, stopping the Bengals from scoring.
This big play set up a touchdown for the 49ers on their next turn. It helped San Francisco build a strong 20–0 lead by halftime. The 49ers eventually won the game 26–21.
Joining the 49ers Team
Dwight Hicks joined the 49ers in a surprising way. Before signing with the team, he was working in a health food store. He was only 25 years old when he became a leader for the 49ers' defense in 1981.
The 49ers decided to bring in many new, young defensive players that year. Hicks became the experienced leader for this new group. This group included talented rookies like Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright, and Carlton Williamson.
The "Hot Licks" Defense
This young but tough defensive backfield became known as "Dwight Hicks and his Hot Licks." Even with their lack of experience, the 49ers' defense was one of the best in the NFL. This strong defense helped the 49ers achieve a surprising victory in Super Bowl XVI.
Leading the 49ers to Super Bowl XIX
Hicks was the Defensive Captain for the 49ers team that won Super Bowl XIX after the 1984 NFL season. The year before, the 49ers had lost a close game in the playoffs. After that loss, Hicks gave an emotional speech to his teammates. He asked them to "Remember the feeling" of that defeat.
Inspired by Hicks' words, the 1984 49ers had an amazing season. They finished with a 15–1 record. They easily won their playoff games. They then defeated the Miami Dolphins 38–16 in the Super Bowl.
In that 1984 season, Hicks and his fellow defensive backs, Lott, Wright, and Williamson, were all chosen for the Pro Bowl. This was only the second time in NFL history that an entire team's defensive backfield received this honor in one season.
Career Statistics
In his eight NFL seasons, Hicks made 32 interceptions. He returned these interceptions for a total of 602 yards. He also scored three touchdowns from interceptions. He recovered 14 fumbles and returned one for a touchdown. Hicks also gained 461 yards returning kickoffs and punts. In his single CFL season, he had two interceptions.
Life After Football
After his football career, Dwight Hicks became a well-known character actor. He appeared in several movies, including The Rock, Jack, and Armageddon.
He also made guest appearances on many popular television shows. These include How I Met Your Mother, Castle, The X-Files, and ER. Hicks also co-hosted a local TV show in San Francisco called The Point After. This show aired after 49ers games.
Dwight Hicks married Dana Woods in October 2004.
