The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Tracking the Longhorns: Jordan Hicks on the NFL Draft
05.02.2015 | Football
Linebacker was selected by Philadephia with the 20th choice in the third round
2015 NFL Draft Index | Hicks chosen in Third Round by Eagles | Video: Highlights of Hicks | Photo Gallery: Hicks in action
Linebacker Jordan Hicks was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 20th pick in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Hicks, who was a second-team All-America choice last season, watched the second and third rounds of the draft unfold Friday in Cincinnati with his family.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks
On the feeling getting the call: It's definitely still surreal, especially after everything I've been through, all the adversity. It's truly a blessing and something I'll never forget. I don't think it's even hit me yet. It's one of those things you've wanted your entire life and you're so excited about it and now that it's here, it just doesn't hit you right away. It's still an amazing feeling.
On being chosen by Philadelphia: I've been talking to Philly for a while, actually. I went on a pre-draft visit there and had a great time, felt really comfortable and enjoyed meeting with all the coaches and getting a feel for the place. I really like the city, and I know the organization is doing big things right now, so I can't wait to get there and get going.
On spending time in Philadelphia before: That was my first time there. I had never been before that visit. It's pretty awesome and is going to be a new experience.
On who called him and what they said: It was coach Chip Kelly. I was just so excited I was just thanking him. He said it's going to be a great fit, they can't wait to get me out there and they're excited to get going. There's a lot of work to do, but I'm excited to get moving forward with this process.
On having a Longhorn in his position room in Emmanuel Acho: Having somebody like Emmanuel, it's awesome. He's been a great mentor for me, both on and off the field while I was young at The University of Texas. Making this transition from college to the NFL is going to be huge, and I think having somebody like that who I know and have a really good relationship with, we stay in contact all the time, he's the guy I usually turn to if I need something like advice in football, because I know he's been through it. It's going to be huge for me to get in there and have somebody who understands who I am as a person and what I want to accomplish and have that personal relationship there already.
On what his day was like: I tried to stay relaxed through the whole thing. Earlier today some good friends of mine, my girlfriend and I went to this place called King's Island, it's like a theme park here. It's a beautiful day so we decided to go out, have fun, get my mind off it and just enjoy the time while I have it here [in Ohio]. We did that, came back for the draft and just had anticipation. We tried to keep it light, keep it fun and exciting, but at the same time everyone was nervous to hear my name called. Finally it happened, and it's very surreal.
On the reaction of his family and friends: Just a lot of excitement, a lot of support. I think a lot of people understand my story, where I've come from. This is just another step in the direction I want to go, but there's been a lot of support already. I really appreciate everybody who's reached out. It's hard to get back to everybody, but I'm trying and want everybody to know I really appreciate it.
On how his experience at Texas has prepared him: So prepared. Obviously I'm not going to sit here and say I know what to expect because it's new. You can't be ready for something brand new. You have no clue what it truly means to step into the situation, but I also know who I am, and I've been through some things in my life that I've overcome, and I've learned a lot about myself since I've been at The University of Texas. I know that no matter what they throw at me, no matter what type adversity, that I'm not going to quit, I'm going to keep fighting. With that being said, I think it's prepared me as well as anybody coming out this year.
