Vikings' Jordan Hicks Named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks has been named the NFC's Defensive Player of the Week after his ten-tackle, two-takeaway, one-touchdown performance was crucial in a victory over the Bears on Sunday.

Hicks is the first Vikings player to win a POTW award this season, which isn't surprising given the team's disappointing 2-4 start. It's the second time in his career he's won the award, previously doing so in December 2021 after a two-sack game against the Bears when he was with the Arizona Cardinals.

Late in the first half at Soldier Field this weekend, Hicks made an acrobatic over-the-shoulder catch for an interception on a Justin Fields pass that floated in the air thanks to a hit from Danielle Hunter. That set up the Vikings' lone offensive touchdown of the day. It was the 13th interception of his nine-year career and his second with Minnesota.

Then, in the third quarter, Hicks scooped up a fumble that Josh Metellus forced and raced up the sideline for a 42-yard touchdown, his first since his rookie year in 2015. He also led the Vikings in tackles on the day.

"I felt young, man," Hicks said. "Being 31 and around all these young guys, you want to prove yourself, right? That you still got it, that you’re a leader. They look to you like you’ve been there and done that, you want to show them that there’s a reason why I’m still here. Feels good to be part of a team that’s finding identity, finding our culture. We’re having fun out there."

The 31-year-old Hicks is a team captain who is having one of the best seasons of his career so far in 2023.

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