Browns starting LB Jordan Hicks announces retirement

Cleveland Browns starting linebacker Jordan Hicks announced his retirement over social media on Friday.

A veteran of 10 NFL seasons, Hicks missed the first two days of training camp with what the team referred to as a personal matter.

"Football has given me more than I could have ever imagined," Hicks posted on Instagram. "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."

Hicks, 33, was expected to see his role increase with fellow linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah missing the 2025 seasons due to a neck injury.

Owusu-Koramoah hasn't played since getting injured in Cleveland's 29-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 27, 2024. He was carted off the field after colliding with Ravens running back Derrick Henry, whose right shoulder barreled into the linebacker's head and neck area on a 10-yard run.

Devin Bush, Mohamoud Diabate, offseason acquisition Jerome Baker and second-round pick Carson Schwesinger will be looked upon to step up in the absence of Hicks and Owusu-Koramoah.

Hicks recorded 78 tackles and two sacks in 12 games (all starts) in his lone season with the Browns in 2024.

A Super Bowl LII winner with Philadelphia, Hick totaled 952 sacks, 16.5 sacks and 13 interceptions in 134 career games (131 starts) with the Eagles (2015-18), Arizona Cardinals (2019-21), Minnesota Vikings (2022-23) and Browns. He was selected by Philadelphia in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

--Field Level Media