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45. Dwight Hicks

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45. Dwight Hicks

Dwight Hicks began his professional career with the Toronto Argonauts, only a few hours from where he played his college ball (Michigan).  After a year in Canada, Hicks signed with the San Francisco 49ers, where he would bring passion and character.

 

Hicks had five picks as a Rookie in eight Games, and the following year (1980), he was officially the starting Free Safety for the Niners.  Hicks became the leader of San Francisco's corps of Defensive Backs, and the group known as "Dwight Hicks and his Hot Licks" that would help Joe Montana and company win their first Super Bowl (XVI).  The former Wolverine went to four straight Pro Bowls (1981-84) with Hicks also securing a Second Team All-Pro in 1981.  Hicks also helped San Francisco win Super Bowl XIX.

As good as Hicks was, he was considered to be a problem behind the scenes, as he often balked about his contract and was a known cocaine user. He was not resigned after 1985, and after an ineffective year in Indianapolis, he retired.  With San Francisco, Hicks had 30 Interceptions, 602 Interception Return Yards, and 403 Punt Return Yards.

The Bullet Points

  • Position: Safety
  • Acquired: Signed before the 1979 Season.
  • Departed: Released after the 1985 Season.
  • Games Played: 96
  • Notable Statistics:

    92 Games Started
    30 Interceptions
    586 Interception Return Yards
    3 Interception Return Touchdowns
    14 Fumble Recoveries
    112 Fumble Recovery Yards
    1 Fumble Recovery Touchdown
    1.5 Quarterback Sacks
    54 Punt Returns
    403 Punt Return Yards
    3 Kick Returns
    58 Kick Return Yards
    66 Approximate Value

    9 Playoff Games
    3 Interceptions
    49 Interception Return Yards
    3 Punt Returns
    27 Punt Return Yards
    1 Kick Return 
    23 Kick Return Yards

    *Sacks became an official stat in 1982 but were unofficially calculated by Pro Football Reference from 1960 to 1981.

  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    Super Bowl Champion (XVI & XIX)
    Second Team All-Pro (1981)
    Pro Bowl (1981, 1982, 1983 & 1984)
    Most Interception Return Yards (1981)

Last modified on Friday, 16 September 2022 20:52

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