Jordan Hicks Fired Up to Play with Eric Kendricks

His streak of 51 consecutive starts is the third-longest active streak among NFL linebackers.

“I’ve invested in my body. I’ve got guys that I lean on to take care of my body, people that I’ve surrounded myself with,” Hicks said. “Health is a premium. If you can’t be on the field, you can’t show what you can do. I’ve been through that personally.

“I didn’t want to have that label on me,” Hicks added. “So I decided to take it as seriously as I possibly could, and hopefully shook that bug off of me.”

Hicks was a 2015 third-round pick by the Eagles out of Texas and spent the first four years of his career with Philadelphia. His tenure there included a win in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium, although Hicks was on Injured Reserve for the Eagles playoff run.

The linebacker said Thursday that his top goal is to be able to play on the grandest stage.

“I think about it all the time. The one thing I want to do is go to the Super Bowl and win it, and play it,” Hicks said. “That’s part of my journey, is the mission to get back there.

“I’ve been on winning teams. I’ve been on losing teams. This game is really only fun when you win. Simple as that,” he continued. “I enjoy this game most when we’re winning.”

Overall, Hicks has 11 career interceptions with one returned for a score. He has also tallied nine forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and 10.5 sacks in his career.

His best season came in 2016 when he recorded five interceptions and had 11 passes defended. He recorded a sack, three tackles for loss and 11 total tackles in a 21-10 Eagles win over the Vikings that was Minnesota’s first loss that season.

Hicks has some other Minnesota connections, too, including a grandmother who lives in Austin, about 100 miles south of U.S. Bank Stadium.

“When I found out Minnesota was an opportunity, the conversations with my wife about this place have been nothing but positive,” Hicks said. “Being able to be here the past day and a half, being able to see some areas, drive around, meet some people, I’ve actually got family from Austin here.

“I’m originally from Austin, Texas. I’ve got family here in Austin,” Hicks added. “You guys embody my grandma; she’s the sweetest lady that I’ve ever known. Everybody’s been amazing, and I’m excited to get in this locker room and get to work.”