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 an American actor and former professional football player. He was a safety in the National Football League (NFL), mostly for the San Francisco 49ers. He helped the 49ers win two Super Bowls and was chosen for the Pro Bowl four times.
Hicks played college football for the Michigan Wolverines. He started his professional career with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 1978. He then played seven seasons with the San Francisco 49ers from 1979 to 1985. He finished his football career with the Indianapolis Colts in 1986.
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Early Life and College Football
Dwight Hicks played high school football at Pennsauken High School in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey. In 1972, he helped his high school team achieve a great 9–1 record. They were even ranked as the second-best team in South Jersey by the Courier-Post newspaper.
After high school, Hicks played for the University of Michigan from 1975 to 1978. During his time there, he played as a safety and also returned punts.
Dwight Hicks' Pro Football Career
Hicks began his professional football journey with the CFL's Toronto Argonauts in 1978. He played in three games as a defensive back and punt returner.
Key Player for the 49ers Dynasty
Dwight Hicks was a very important player for the San Francisco 49ers during the 1980s. He was chosen for the Pro Bowl four times in a row, from 1981 to 1984. He helped his team win two NFL Championships in Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XIX.
In the 1981 season, Hicks was amazing, leading the NFL with nine interceptions and 239 return yards. He made a huge play in Super Bowl XVI against the Cincinnati Bengals. After the 49ers lost the ball on the first kickoff, the Bengals had a chance to score near the goal line. But Hicks made a crucial interception, stopping them from scoring. This play helped the 49ers build a 20–0 lead by halftime, and they eventually won the game 26–21.
Joining the 49ers and "Hot Licks"
Hicks joined the 49ers in a surprising way. Before signing with them, he was working in a health food store. In 1981, even though he was only in his second full season, Hicks became a leader for the 49ers' defensive backfield. The team decided to bring in many new, young players through the draft.
Hicks led a group of talented rookies, including Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright, and Carlton Williamson. This young, hard-hitting group of defensive backs 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 Another Super Bowl
Hicks was the Defensive Captain for the 49ers team that won Super Bowl XIX after the 1984 NFL season. After a tough loss in the 1983 NFC Championship Game, Hicks gave an inspiring speech to his teammates. He asked them to "Remember the feeling" of that defeat.
Inspired by Hicks' words, the 1984 49ers had an incredible season, finishing with a 15–1 record. They easily won their playoff games and defeated the Miami Dolphins 38–16 in the Super Bowl. Hicks, along with his fellow defensive backs Lott, Wright, and Williamson, were all selected for the Pro Bowl that season. This was only the second time in NFL history that an entire team's secondary received this honor in one season.
Career Statistics
In his eight NFL seasons, Dwight Hicks had 32 interceptions. He returned these interceptions for a total of 602 yards and scored three touchdowns. He also recovered 14 fumbles, returning them for 112 yards, and scored one touchdown from a fumble return. Additionally, he gained 461 yards returning kickoffs and punts. In his single CFL season with the Argonauts, he had two interceptions but no return yards.
Acting and Television Appearances
After his successful football career, Dwight Hicks became a well-known character actor. He appeared in several movies, including The Rock, Jack, Armageddon, and In the Mix.
He also made guest appearances on many popular television shows. These include How I Met Your Mother, Castle, Body of Proof, Cold Case, The Practice, The X-Files, ER, and The O.C. Hicks also co-hosted a local San Francisco TV show called The Point After, which aired right after 49ers Sunday games on KTVU.
Personal Life
Dwight Hicks is married to Dana Woods, who is a costume designer. They have two daughters together.
