Vikings LB Jordan Hicks Named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

Oct 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM

Lindsey Young

Writer & Editor

EAGAN, Minn. – Jordan Hicks had himself a game Sunday.

The linebacker intercepted Bears QB Justin Fields and returned a fumble for a touchdown to defeat Chicago 19-13 on the road.

Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell presented Hicks with a game ball following the victory, and now Hicks has received another recognition.

The NFL on Wednesday announced Hicks as NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Bears, which also included a team-leading 10 tackles and a pass defensed.

"Jordan has seen so much football. He's been so productive for a long time. He's our 'green dot,' " O'Connell said Sunday afternoon. "There's a lot going on within our defense, depending on the game plan, but what Jordan did kind of rivaled what [Harrison Smith] did against the Panthers. It just felt like he was not going to be denied the chance to be the guy to go out there and respond.

"How he was on the sideline, all week in prep, I'm really happy with Jordan and proud of him as one of our core leaders, showing up the way he did today," O'Connell added.

Hicks is the first Viking this season to earn Player of the Week honors.

Through Minnesota's first six contests, he has 53 tackles (30 solo), one interception, one tackle for loss, two passes defensed, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and the defensive touchdown.

"Jordan's been one of those guys to make plays and bring the energy since I've known him," said Byron Murphy, Jr., who also teamed with Hicks in Arizona before the two reunited with the Vikings. "He's just a big playmaker. So wherever the ball is, I just know Jordan's somewhere around it … and when you get around the ball, good things happen."