Cleveland Browns linebacker Jordan Hicks is calling it a career.
The 33-year-old announced his retirement Friday in an Instagram post after he missed the first two days of training camp with what the team described as a personal matter.
“Football has given me more than I could have ever imagined,” Hicks wrote. “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.”
Hicks, who was at the Browns’ OTA offseason workouts last month, was expected to play a crucial role in his second season with Cleveland.
In 12 starts last season, Hicks had 78 tackles and two sacks.
His wife, Ivana Hicks, praised him for his integrity and a decade of grit on the field.
“TEN YEARS! ???? A decade of grit, passion, sacrifice, and relentless work-through victories and losses, injuries and comebacks, highs that felt like dreams and lows that tested everything,” Ivana wrote in a separate Instagram post Friday.
“Today, my heart is full as I stand beside you in this moment of retirement. You didn’t just play the game, you lived it with integrity, humility, and unshakable character. The kind of teammate everyone wanted.The kind of man I’m proud our children look up to. The kind of husband I thank God for every single day.
“I’ve watched you lead quietly, love fiercely, and stay grounded through it all. From locker rooms to stadium lights, your impact reaches far beyond the field-and I know this is only the beginning of your next chapter.
“I’m so proud to be your wife. So proud of the man, friend, and brother you’ve been to so many. And so proud of the legacy you’ve built. One that isn’t just measured in stats, but in who you are. Here’s to what’s next, my love. You’ve already won the game that matters most.”
The couple has a daughter, Taliya, and two sons, Ayven and Lukah.
Earlier this week, Ivana commemorated his 11th NFL training camp.
“Sent dada off to his 11th Training Camp ???? 11 years of sacrifice, passion, and love for the game,” Ivana wrote on Instagram, where she included a video of him hugging daughter Taliya. “We are so proud of you!! Counting down the days until we’re together again—and cheering you on.”
Another video showed Hicks consoling their crying son as the family sent him off to training camp.
“It never gets easier—especially as they get older!” Ivana wrote. “Each year that goes by, it takes more sacrifice, from all of us, as we try to create a more ‘normal’ life for them. They move twice a year, have been to countless schools, make new friends, and embrace change so well.
“It’s the only life they know. And sometimes, for that sense of normalcy, it’s best we stay behind for a little while. They still don’t, quite, get why dada has to leave but one day they will. Can’t wait to be together again.”
After the news of Hicks’ retirement, Ivana reposted the video of their son and wrote, “Well, guys, this video and 3 days away from dada was short-lived. 10 years.”
Hicks spent four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles after they selected him in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He also had stints with the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings.
Hicks has a career total of 952 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 13 interceptions, six forced fumbles, and 11 fumble recoveries.