Akiem Hicks is a professional American football player who currently plays as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Sacramento City College and at the University of Regina.
He began his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints in 2012 and has also played for the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears. Hicks has been named to the Pro Bowl twice in his career and has been recognized as one of the top defensive linemen in the league.
Hicks was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft and also played for the New England Patriots before joining the Chicago Bears in 2016. On June 2, 2022, Hicks signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Hicks is known for his size, strength, and ability to disrupt opposing offences, and he has been a key player for the Bears’ defence.
Is Akiem Hicks Canadian?
American football player Akiem Hicks was born in San Jose, California, in the United States. He did, however, play college football in Canada when he moved from Sacramento City College in California to the University of Regina in Saskatchewan.
Hicks spent time in Canada where he improved as a football player and attracted the attention of NFL scouts, which ultimately led to the New Orleans Saints selecting him in the 2012 NFL Draft. Hicks is an American citizen, even though he has been to Canada and played football there.
How did Akiem Hicks end up at Regina?
Akiem Hicks departed LSU after his sophomore season in 2009, and his journey to play collegiate football in Canada started. Hicks enrolled at Sacramento City College, a junior college in Sacramento, California, where he played for one season after sitting out a year due to transfer regulations.
Hicks was sought out by the University of Regina in Saskatchewan, Canada, while still a student at Sacramento City College. Regina has started enlisting the help of American recruiters in an effort to strengthen their football program.
One of the athletes Regina was interested in was Hicks, who was excited by the prospect of playing football in Canada and getting to know a new society. Hicks made the decision to move to Regina and play for the after touring the school and speaking with coaches.