Jordan Hicks, Cleveland Browns LB announces retirement after 10 NFL seasons

Jordan Hicks, Cleveland Browns starting linebacker, announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday (July 25). He shared the news on his Instagram handle, concluding a remarkable 10-year career.

Jordan Hicks’ retirement comes at a crucial time for the Cleveland Browns, who are navigating other uncertainties, including a quarterback competition among veterans Joe Flacco and Russell Pickett and rookies Dorian Gabriel and Spencer Sanders. General Manager Andrew Berry has also indicated the team could retain four quarterbacks on the team, adding intrigue to their 2025 outlook.

"After 23 years of playing football, I’m officially retiring from the NFL, Hicks announced.

"Football has given me more than I could have ever imagined. Purpose, discipline, brotherhood, and a platform to impact others. But most importantly, it showed me who I am outside the game. 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 noted.

Jordan Hicks further expressed gratitude to all important people in his life, stating, "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," he concluded.

His journey began as a third-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015, where he spent four seasons and won a Super Bowl in 2018. He then played for the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings and achieved five consecutive 100-tackle seasons before joining the Cleveland Browns in 2024. His reunion with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who coached him in Philadelphia, was a highlight of his final season.

Hicks’ retirement has now raised a major concern for the Browns without their top two inside linebackers from last season, impacting their defense.

The Cleveland Browns’ linebacker depth chart includes Devin Bush, Mohamoud Diabate, and second-round rookie Carson Schwesinger. To strengthen the side, Cleveland signed veteran linebacker Jerome Baker this offseason, who brings experience with 90 career starts over seven seasons. While these players offer potential, replacing Hicks’ leadership will be a challenge as the team prepares for the upcoming season.