Training camps around the league have been fully underway this week with teams getting prepared for an intense 2025 season. The Eagles had their first practice take place on July 23rd at NovaCare Complex as they begin the quest to defend their Super Bowl title.
While that is taking place in Philadelphia, a former Eagles draft pick decided to hang up his cleats during the first week of camp. Ex-Eagles LB Jordan Hicks officially retired and posted a message online to the fans.
Browns LB Jordan Hicks has decided to retire. pic.twitter.com/pbJ10EfB97
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 25, 2025
Ex-Eagles LB Jordan Hicks Retires Ahead of 2025 Season
His message read, "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 important 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."
He also added, "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."
Hicks inked a two-year, $8 million deal with the Cleveland Browns in 2024 but decided to walk away from the second year of the deal. Last season with the Browns, he recorded 78 total tackles, four TFLs, and two sacks. He started in 12 games for this group and gave them a defensive veteran after Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah went down with a season-ending neck injury.
He even spent some time with the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings during his career outside of Philadelphia and Cleveland.
Hicks was selected in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft and provided them with a quality defender throughout four seasons. The Texas product appeared in 43 games (40 starts), notching 254 total tackles, 12 TFLs, five sacks, and seven interceptions. He was also a part of the Super Bowl LII roster.
Despite just going through his rookie contract in Philadelphia, he was a member of the first-ever Super Bowl championship team and will always hold a special place in the hearts of Eagles fans.
Philly fans hope Hicks enjoys this next chapter of his life and wish him nothing but the best.