WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va – In his 10 years in the league, Jordan Hicks had never experienced an NFL training camp away from the city in which his team played.
The nine days at The Greenbrier in West Virginia, tucked away in the Allegheny Mountains, was new territory for Hicks. And yet, it provided him a chance to connect with his teammates and build off the work they put in during OTAs and minicamp.
The Browns signed Hicks during free agency, adding depth and a veteran presence to their linebacker room after they lost three linebackers in free agency.
"I think Jordan Hicks is a very impressive pro to me," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "Awesome off the field. A leader, has been in a bunch of different situations, has been in this system before. So, certainly, somebody that we are really excited to add to our group."
With Hicks' 10 years in the league, he brings a wealth of experience to a younger linebacker room, as well as veteran leadership. Stefanski said those two elements play a large factor in his presence in the unit.
"That doesn't happen by accident," Stefanski said. "That's somebody who really takes care of his body, plays well, has been in a bunch of different systems. So, he can impart a ton of wisdom on those young players just by his sheer numbers of years in this league."
Not only does he bring 10 years of experience in the league, but he's also played for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz with the Eagles. With Schwartz in Philadelphia, Hicks started all 35 games he played in over those three seasons. The Eagles went on a successful run in that stretch, and while Hicks missed a majority of the 2017 Super Bowl run with an Achilles injury, Hicks still found success in Schwartz's system.
While there are slight differences from the Eagles to the Browns that has created a learning curve for Hicks, he has a foundation and an understanding of the core of Schwartz's defensive style.
"I know what to expect and what Jim is looking for," Hicks said. "But at the same time, you know, a lot of this defense since last time I was in his has evolved. So, there's been some learning curves and some understanding but a lot of that was done in OTAs and minicamp, so we came hit the hit the ground running, didn't have to install anything just took off."
The linebackers play a unique role in the defensive system. They line up in the middle of the defense, and Hicks said they have to help set the defense, provide the necessary communication to both the defensive line and the secondary so they are all on the same. Hicks said they also are trying to be one step ahead of the call, predicting what plays the offense can run and thinking about what types of motions can get the defense into their best coverages and fronts.
Hicks has special ability to do just that from the middle of the defense, and linebackers coach Jason Tarver has noted that skillset.
"We're the nerve center of the defense," Tarver said. "We need to be able to get everybody lined up, get everybody chill and then when the ball is snapped, make the play. So, we love his ability to do that."
Since his arrival in Cleveland, Tarver has watched how Hicks focuses on technique and plays. Hicks possesses an ability to see different things on the field, which allows him to stay in the moment and calm his teammates around him down.
"Jordan's at the point where he can really work through some simple technique things," Tarver said. "Like if he feels himself getting up too high, then he'll do something for that. So, he's very conscious. And then, of course, just how great of a human he is and how badly he wants to win and tie everybody together."
And while his experience on the field proves beneficial to a younger linebacker room, it's also his personal experience and leadership that the Browns are looking for. The linebacker room features two rookies in Nathaniel Watson and Winston Reid, first-year player in Caleb Johnson, second-year player in Mohamoud Diabate and two fourth-year players in Tony Fields II and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
Hicks believes the Browns linebacker room is "one of the most athletic groups" he's been a part of. He said they are an energetic, chippy and aggressive group, which are the exact traits needed for a linebacker group.
When he's on the field, he's energetic, talking to the linebackers and the defense, making his voice heard. He knows that as a linebacker, he has to bring the energy to the defense. When he's off the field, he embraces that big brother style of being a mentor and leading by example. He's pulled teammates aside to share when he sees fit.
He's not afraid to step into that role as the Browns look to build off their success in 2023, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
"I think what I embrace is the ability to share my story," Hicks said. "The ability to spread knowledge to some of the young guys who are dealing with the pressures of the NFL and not understanding necessarily what to expect in a 17- or 18-game season. So, just got to share my experience, push my leadership, both on offense and on defense."
