Former Vikings LB, Super Bowler Issues Retirement Message

Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker and team captain Jordan Hicks has called it a career.

Hicks, 33, was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2015 draft and won a Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2018. He spent three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals afterwards before signing with the Vikings as a crucial piece to Kevin O’Connell’s culture-shifting 2022 season that saw the team win 13 games in the head coach’s first season.

Valued for his leadership and execution at the center of Brian Flores’ defense, Hicks was called the “heart and soul” of the defense by O’Connell when he missed time due to a devastating injury that almost cost him his leg.

Hicks signed with the Cleveland Browns last season but officially announced his retirement on July 25.

Read his full retirement message and former teammates reactions below.

After 23 years of playing football, I’m officially retiring from the NFL.

Football has given me more than I could have ever imagined. Purpose, discipline, brotherhood, and a platform to impact others. But most importantly it showed me who I am outside the game.

I leave this chapter with deep gratitude for every lesson, challenge, and victory. I’m proud of what I accomplished on the field, but even more proud of the man I’ve become because of it.

To my teammates, coaches, fans, and most importantly my family.. thank you for your unwavering support throughout this journey. I’m looking forward to this next season of life and all that it brings.

I walk away with peace knowing I gave football all I had, and that the best is yet to come.

Forever Grateful,
Jordan Hicks

Vikings Stars React to Jordan Hicks Retirement

In an Instagram post that garnered over 15,000 likes and over 500 comments, many former Vikings teammates flocked to congratulate Hicks on his career.

“Luv you brotha!! Big congrats, blessed to have shared the field and locker room with you dawg,” fullback C.J. Ham wrote.

Vikings safety and team captain Josh Metellus: “Grateful to have played with you my boy 🫶🏾.”

Former Vikings running back Alexander Mattison shared in the fanfare, saying, “Congratulations on an amazing career brotha! 🙏🏾 I’m honored to have been able to share a locker room with you! Nothing but love always! 🫶🏾”

“Golf game is gana be elite,” former Vikings All-Pro linebacker Eric Kendricks replied. Congrats bro! New life 🍻.”

“One of the good guys🤝,” defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, who joined the Vikings the same year as Hicks, said. “Thankful for our time together brother.”

NFL’s Biggest Names Join in Congratulating Jordan Hicks

Beyond the former Vikings teammates messages were several high-profile congratulations as well.

“Hell of a teammate, hell of a career,” J.J. Watt said. “Congrats on an incredible run brother!!”

“Amazing career,” former Eagles quarterback Nick Foles replied. “Grateful we got to be teammates! Congratulations!”

“Well deserved!!! 💯,” Eagles defensive lineman Haason Reddick wrote.”

The NFLPA’s official account even joined in on the congratulatory messages, writing, “Job well done, Jordan!”

Hicks clearly made an impact in his 10-year career.