Vikings Sign Maurice Hicks

The Vikings have signed free agent running back and return specialist Maurice Hicks to a contract, the team announced today.

Hicks will enter his fifth NFL season in 2008 and has spent time with both the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers during his career. Known for his return abilities, Hicks has the #1 and #2 kickoff return yardage totals in 49ers history and he is tied for second in the NFL over the past two seasons with 120 kickoff returns and third in the league with 2,930 yards.

The 5-11, 205-pound running back can also fulfill the role as a backup running back and special teams player. Hicks has 50 special teams tackles in the past three seasons (46 games) and he has two career rushes of 50-plus yards. With the pending free agency of Mewelde Moore, Hicks could potentially fill a role as the team’s third running back and he would also become an instant contender for the kickoff and punt return roles, competing with Aundrae Allison for both.

• Has five career kickoff returns of 50-plus yards and has rambled for a 30-plus-yard kickoff return in 23 of his 45 career games.
• Has a career-long 73-yard touchdown rush (at St. Louis - 12/24/05) .
• Battled up through the ranks during his NFL career, entering the league in 2002 with Chicago as a rookie free agent, spending 2002 on reserve/NFI list with Bears, waived by Bears after training camp in 2003 and started 2004 season on 49ers practice squad before playing in first career game versus Seattle (11/7/04), notching four special teams tackles and returning six kickoffs in his debut.
• Spent 2003 and 2004 seasons with Scottish Claymores of NFL Europe, working with then Claymores head strength coach Martin Streight (who is now with the Vikings) with the Claymores in 2003.
• Holds North Carolina A&T career rushing record with 2,812 yards in only two seasons.
• Holds Division I and II single-game rushing record with 437 yards on the ground against Morgan State.