Jordan Hicks proud to persevere and remain integral to Cardinals defense

The bumpy journey of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jordan Hicks this season has been well documented, following the selection of fellow linebacker Zaven Collins in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

“In some respect you feel like you are getting screwed over and you have no clue what is going to happen, but I have faith,” Hicks said after Arizona moved to 2-0 Sunday with a 34-33 win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Hicks has persevered and played an integral role in the defense over the first two games of the season.

He tied for the team lead with safety Budda Baker in defensive snaps in the season opener against the Tennessee Titans and came through in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings with six tackles, three solo and one pass defended. Against the Vikings, Hicks played all but two defensive snaps.

“I know I bring a lot to the table,” he said. “I just try to play good football day in and day out and let the chips fall where they may.”

While Arizona was not shy publicly early on that Collins would replace him as the team’s starting linebacker, Hicks admitted the Cardinals told him before the game in Tennessee that he would be on the field regularly.

The decision has paid dividends as having Hicks on the field has helped keep two ferocious running backs in Derrick Henry and Dalvin Cook out of the end zone. Hicks, Collins and second-year linebacker Isaiah Simmons have often been on the field at the same time — the rookie Collins has played 34% and 41% of the available snaps in his first two games, respectively.

“We all have roles. Everybody on this defense, on this team has a role and you want to shine in that role that you’re given,” Hicks said.

“I told you guys early that I had faith in the grand scheme of things,” he said. “I’ve played a lot of football in this league and I’ve accomplished quite a bit in terms of winning and putting things out on the field.”

For Hicks, who already has a Super Bowl win under his belt as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, the events of this season are something that he will remember in a positive context.

“Man, I’ve played this game long enough and understand that thing happen along the way,”  Hicks said. “I have kids, two boys, and when I look back on this I’m going to be proud.”

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