Victor Hicks facts for kids

Victor Lonell Hicks, born on January 19, 1957, is a former American football player. He played as a tight end in the National Football League (NFL) for the Los Angeles Rams. He was chosen by the Rams in the 1979 NFL draft after playing college football at the University of Oklahoma. Hicks also played in the United States Football League (USFL) for teams like the New Jersey Generals and Denver Gold.

Early Life and High School Football

Victor Hicks was born in Lubbock, Texas. He went to Estacado High School in Lubbock. There, he was a talented athlete, playing football, basketball, and track.

He played football for Estacado High from 1971 to 1974. In 1972, he joined the main varsity team and was named the team's Most Valuable Player (MVP). In 1973, Hicks caught 19 passes for 381 yards and scored four touchdowns. This earned him special honors across his district and city. Even though he was injured for most of his senior year in 1974, he still ran the ball 36 times for 146 yards as a halfback. In 2024, he was honored by being added to the Lubbock Independent School District Hall of Honor.

College Football Career

Hicks played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners at the University of Oklahoma. He played for four years, from 1975 to 1978.

In his first year, 1975, the Sooners won the national championship. Hicks caught two passes for 54 yards and scored one touchdown that season. In 1976, he caught three passes for 45 yards and one touchdown. The next year, 1977, he had five catches for 120 yards and scored three touchdowns. His three touchdowns were tied for the most in the Big Eight Conference that year. As a senior in 1978, Hicks caught five passes for 93 yards and scored three more touchdowns.

Professional Football Journey

Victor Hicks was chosen by the Los Angeles Rams in the fifth round of the 1979 NFL draft. He was the 122nd player picked overall.

Time with the Los Angeles Rams

After being drafted, Hicks was placed on injured reserve in August 1979, which meant he missed his entire first season. In 1980, he played in all 16 games for the Rams, starting 14 of them. During that season, he caught 23 passes for 318 yards and scored three touchdowns. He also played in one playoff game that year. In August 1981, he was again placed on injured reserve and was later released by the Rams in October 1981.

Short Stint with the Los Angeles Raiders

Hicks signed with the Los Angeles Raiders in July 1982. However, he was released by the team in August 1982 before the season began.

Playing in the USFL

In November 1982, Hicks joined the New Jersey Generals in the United States Football League (USFL) for the 1983 season. He played in 17 games for the Generals, starting nine of them. He caught 20 passes for 267 yards and scored three touchdowns.

In February 1984, Hicks was traded to the Denver Gold. He played in 16 games for the Gold during the 1984 season, starting nine. He had a good year, catching 31 passes for 438 yards. He was released by the Gold in October 1984.

Hicks then signed with the Jacksonville Bulls of the USFL in November 1984, but he was later released by that team as well.