Jordan Hicks Will 'Absolutely Not' Change His Aggressive Style
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Jordan Hicks has been haunted by the injury bug.
In 2012, Hicks' junior season at the University of Texas came to an abrupt end thanks to a torn hip muscle. The following season in 2013, after just four starts, Hicks ruptured his Achilles devastatingly ending his season yet again.
Hicks battled back, started all 13 games as a senior in 2014, and was selected in the third-round of the NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles last year.
In his first season as a pro, Hicks was building his case for defensive rookie of the year and quickly became the Eagles' best play making linebacker.
"I prepared the way I was supposed to prepare and when my shot came, I took advantage and it all paid off," Hicks told Angelo Cataldi and the 94WIP Morning Show on Friday before practice. "I did get a couple lucky bounces here and there, but at the same time I was always around the ball and that's something I always pride myself in."
Listen: Jordan Hicks on the 94WIP Morning Show
However, during the team's November 8th game against the Dallas Cowboys, Hicks suffered yet another injury. This time, a torn pectoral muscle would cut his rookie season in half.
"I honestly think it is [bad luck]," Hicks said. "I've done my part on my end to keep my body right, to check my body out. I got a bunch of tests done to see what's going on, and they're coming back positive. So it's a matter of me just staying under control and protecting my body. But you know what? That's how I play. I play all out, I give it everything I got it. And like I said earlier, it's football. It's going to be physical, it's going to be a lot of contract. That's the way we like it right? So it's give and take and I think a lot of it is fluke and a lot of it is just the way football happens."
Hicks -- in just five NFL starts -- has 42 tackles, two interceptions (one for a touchdown in that November 8th game vs. the Cowboys), three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and a sack. He prides himself in playing on full throttle mode and despite the serious injuries throughout his career, Hicks will not change his style.
"I think it's keeping my body under control more in certain situations," Hicks said in prevention of future injuries. "When I'm going in for a tackle, not to extend my arm way out there to try to get him down...I'm absolutely not going to stop playing with reckless abandon like you asked. I think it's more a matter of just keeping myself out those [bad] positions."
Entering year two, Hicks has recovered and is ready to go.
"Excited about this season for real," Hicks said. "I'm very, very, very excited. Can't wait to see this defense, this team, in action in the Linc. It's going to be a lot of fun."
