Akiem Hicks Gets Long-Overdue Appearance on NFL’s Top 100
After having a successful 2018 campaign, many members of the Chicago Bears’ defense have been getting some well-deserved praise. The Bears had four defensive players named to the Pro Bowl last season, three of which were also named First-Team All-Pro. Because of their dominance, the accolades are continuing to roll in for the Monsters of the Midway.
At the start of The Top 100 Players of 2019, which airs on the NFL Network, Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller was the first Chicago defender to pop up at No. 95. On Sunday night, the list unveiled the second member of the Bears’ defense: defensive lineman Akiem Hicks.
The Bears’ organization tweeted their feelings about Hicks making the top 100, along with the video from The Top 100 Players of 2019 on the NFL Network.
The eight-year veteran cracked the list at No. 39, and is gracing the top 100 for the first time in his career. Many would say that Hicks having an official place among the best players in the NFL is long overdue, and this is true.
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Before arriving in the Windy City, Hicks played for the New Orleans Saints and the New England Patriots from 2012-15. During that span, the Pro Bowler amassed just 9.5 sacks. Since becoming a full-time starter for the Bears, Hicks has tallied 23 sacks in the last three seasons. And it’s not like this sack total is inflated by just one outstanding year. The 29-year-old has recorded 7.0, 8.5, and 7.5 sacks in 2016, 2017, and 2018 respectively. Those numbers show consistency, and are pretty high for a defensive lineman playing in a 3-4 alignment.
Apparently, Hicks should have been on this list in the past. However, that goes to show you that winning definitely helps good players get the recognition that they deserve. Assuming that the Bears live up to their high expectations in 2019, expect to see Hicks on the top 100 list for the year 2020.