Age is always going to be a discussion in professional sports. Nowhere more so than in the NFL. While players in the NBA, MLB, and even NHL can stay productive well into their 30s, it is much rarer for football players. This because the game is obviously more physically demanding than any others. Still, that is not to say guys in their 30s can’t still be good. There are plenty of examples. This is why it is easy for those who just entered the dreaded 3-0 range to get angry with people questioning their ability. Akiem Hicks is one such example.
The Chicago Bears defensive end has been one of the best interior linemen in the NFL for the past five seasons. He was especially dominant in 2017 and 2018 when amassed 16 sacks. Yet some have begun to wonder if he is starting to fade as a top performer. When ESPN ranked the top 10 interior linemen going into 2021, Hicks failed to make the list. He was only an honorable mention with one coach calling him still good but perhaps losing to Father Time.
“He’s still one of those guys whom you hate to play against. He’s such a force. But you wonder if his best years are ahead of him.”
Is that justified?
Not entirely. Hicks was still dominant against the run last season. Any time an opponent tried to run at him, they met with little success. As for the pass rush? It would be easy to look at his 3.5 sacks as a letdown. In truth, he was every bit as disruptive as he’s been for years. He tied his career-high with 29 pressures and broke his career-high with 16 quarterback knockdowns.
Knowing this, it is easy to understand why Hicks takes exception to some people calling him over the hill. He even mentioned it during a recent video posted on Instagram. One that saw him dunking on a 10-foot basketball hoop at 330 lbs. Pretty good for a 31-year old.
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Akiem Hicks sounds ready to collect some receipts
Word is he arrived at mandatory minicamps in great shape. He certainly looked it in the video. If this holds true going into the season and he manages to avoid serious injuries? Then it is going to be a long season for opposing blockers. Don’t forget Dan Hampton had 9.5 sacks when he was 31 in 1988. Calais Campbell was an All-Pro in 2017 at that age with 14.5 sacks. Doubt these guys at your own risk.
It’s true. Age will catch up to Akiem Hicks eventually. As it does to everybody. Yet the evidence isn’t there quite yet. When he is healthy, the guy still dominates. It is when he is healthy and can’t make an impact anymore that people will know for sure. The Bears will have an interesting decision to make after this season. Don’t forget Hicks is a free agent in 2022.
How he plays this year will determine a lot.
If he looks like his old self? They may try to retain him on a limited two-year extension. On the other hand, if he falters somehow? GM Ryan Pace will have a tough decision to make. Does he gamble and retain Hicks on a one-year deal or does he opt for younger alternatives? That depends on him. Here is hoping he defies the doubters for years to come.