BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns have found themselves facing challenges at the linebacker position once more as veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks announced his retirement from the NFL on social media. This news comes after the team had already bolstered its lineup through the draft, making Hicks’ departure particularly impactful.
In a heartfelt message, Hicks reflected on his 23 years in football, expressing gratitude for the life lessons, discipline, and sense of brotherhood he experienced throughout his career. He emphasized the importance of the sport in helping him discover his true self and noted his pride in both his on-field accomplishments and personal growth.
Hicks, 33, joined the Browns on a two-year contract ahead of the 2024 season. Throughout his lone season with the team, he appeared in 12 games and made significant contributions, including 78 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and four passes defended. However, his season was marred by injury, which even led to hospitalization at one point.
Originally drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Hicks also had stints with the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings before his time in Cleveland. He had previously missed the first two days of Browns Training Camp for personal reasons, but on the third day, he took to social media to announce his retirement.
With Hicks’ exit and fellow linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah sidelined for the season due to a neck injury, the Browns’ linebacker room is looking thin. The team will now rely heavily on veteran Devin Bush and local product Jerome Baker, alongside younger players such as Mohamoud Diabate, Winston Reid, and Nathaniel Watson, as well as rookies Easton Mascarenas-Arnold and Carson Schwesinger.
Schwesinger, who was already set to take on a significant role, now finds himself with even greater opportunities to make an immediate impact on the field in the wake of Hicks’ departure.
This situation presents not only challenges for the Browns but also a chance for younger players to step up and showcase their abilities in the NFL. The team and its fans can remain hopeful that the emerging talents will rise to the occasion and continue the legacy of strong linebacker play in Cleveland.