Hicks reflects on missing Super Bowl at NASCAR event
DOVER, DEL. » Eagles linebacker Jordan Hicks was on hand to wave the green flag at the Monster Energy Cup Series “AAA 400 Drive For Autism” at Dover International Speedway on Sunday.
He’s just hoping he’s able to get his own wheels spinning soon.
The 26-year-old was lost for the season in Week 7 when he suffered a seasonending Achilles injury and was placed on injured reserve, forcing him to the sidelines for the Eagles’ magical Super Bowl run, which was tough for him to have to miss.
“It was difficult,” Hicks said. “We had a bunch of guys that went through it together, and obviously I’d much rather have been out there, but maybe there’s a plan to it all. We were able to win, and I got to support our guys doing it.”
The fourth-year pro was coming off a career year in which he started all 16 games, made 58 solo tackles, one sack and had a career-high five interceptions. But what he was able to learn while on the sidelines — he remained very involved with the club, wearing a headset and staying in contact with the coaching staff during games — may prove invaluable in getting even better when he’s able to set foot back onto the field.
“You just see it all in a totally different perspective,” Hicks said.
“You see the game, you see the team and everything goes into it in a completely different perspective. Any time you can see that side of it, it always helps. It’s good to hear different perspective and see things in a different way. A lot of it is preparation, and learning different ways to prepare. I was in direct contact with (Eagles defensive coordinator Jim) Schwartz and how he prepares and kind of getting to see what he does and apply that to how I prepare week in and week out. Being able to have that side of it obviously helps.”
Aside from gaining knowledge from the coaching staff during his unwanted time off, the break has allowed Hicks to make appearances such as the one he did at the track on Sunday, where he got to connect with AAA-sponsored driver, and noted Carolina Panthers fan, Austin Dillon.
“We saw a guy with a Panthers hat and he noticed it, but I told him we’ll play them this year, and it’ll be fun,” Hicks said.
“This is my first NASCAR experience ... to be up there waving the green flag — and I didn’t even know what that meant until I got here and realized it was a big deal — it’s awesome. This has completely blown me away, and it’s a completely different world up here.”
The Eagles are set to begin their OTA offseason workouts on May 22, and Hicks, who said he feels “good” and “healthy,” was optimistic he’d be able to fully take part in both that and the mandatory minicamp that starts on June 12.
“Right now, we’re going day-by-day,” he said. “The whole thing is making sure that you’re ready for the season. There’s probably going to be limits and things where they’re pulling me back a little bit, but I’m chomping at the bit to get out there. I want to be out there as soon as possible. But we’re playing it smart, we’re playing it to where I’m making sure there’s no other issues. We’ll see how it goes. I’m not sure what it’ll look like during OTA’s, I’m not sure what it’ll look like during mini-camp, but the main goal is health, and that’s what we’re working towards.”