Cleveland Browns Veteran Linebacker Jordan Hicks Retires Ahead Training Camp

Jordan Hicks, a 10-year NFL veteran and linebacker for the Cleveland Browns, announced his retirement ahead of the 2025 season after a decade-long career in the league. Hicks, who played for the Eagles, Cardinals, Vikings, and Browns, was a consistent performer with 952 tackles, 16.5 sacks, and 13 interceptions over 134 games, including a Super Bowl win with Philadelphia. Despite battling injuries last season, he contributed 78 tackles in 12 games for the Browns but decided to retire after missing the first week of training camp for personal reasons. His unexpected retirement leaves a significant void in the Browns' linebacker corps, especially with Pro Bowler Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah sidelined for the season due to a neck injury. Rookie Carson Schwesinger and other linebackers like Jerome Baker and Mohamoud Diabate are now expected to fill the leadership and starting roles left vacant by Hicks. The Browns face challenges in rebuilding their defense amidst a tough season and organizational pressure following a poor 2024 record.