Elijah Hicks Bio
Elijah Hicks (born October 16, 1999) is an American professional football safety for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the California Golden Bears before being selected by the Bears in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft. Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and listed at 204 pounds, Hicks has developed into a steady contributor on Chicago’s defense and is widely regarded for his instincts and tackling ability. He continues to play an active role in the Bears’ secondary as of 2025.
Early Life and Background
Elijah Hicks was born on October 16, 1999, in Long Beach, California, in the United States. He grew up in the Long Beach area and attended La Mirada High School, where he first emerged as a talented defensive back. His early exposure to football came through the strong high school football culture in Southern California, a region known for producing many professional defensive players.
At La Mirada, Hicks quickly developed into one of the most reliable players in the secondary, earning attention from several college programs. His combination of size, speed, and football intelligence made him a sought-after recruit, and he was rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com. That recognition helped open the door to a college career at a Power Five program.
Path to American Football
Hicks committed to the University of California, Berkeley on January 10, 2017, choosing the Golden Bears over scholarship offers from Michigan, Notre Dame, UCLA, and USC. He played his entire college career with the California Golden Bears from 2017 through 2021, working his way into a larger role in the defensive backfield. His development during that span reflected steady improvement in pass coverage and run support.
His strongest college season came in 2021, when he earned First-team All-Pac-12 honors. That recognition confirmed his growth into one of the top defensive backs in the conference and positioned him as a legitimate NFL prospect heading into the 2022 draft.
Elijah Hicks Career
Early Career (2022)
Elijah Hicks was selected by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round with the 254th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft. The selection gave him a clear opportunity to compete for a roster spot on a defense in need of depth in the secondary. As a rookie, he appeared in 15 games and made two starts, demonstrating enough reliability to remain in the rotation throughout the season.
He finished his rookie year with 28 total tackles, including 15 solo stops, along with one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Those numbers gave the Bears a baseline of production and signaled that Hicks had a viable path to a longer professional career.
Chicago Bears Tenure (2022–Present)
Since his rookie season, Elijah Hicks has remained with the Chicago Bears, gradually expanding his role on the defensive side of the ball. He has continued to be a dependable reserve and special teams contributor, while also earning additional opportunities in the defensive backfield. His familiarity with the Bears’ defensive system has helped him remain in the team’s long-term plans.
Through his time in Chicago, Hicks has built a career total of 122 total tackles, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries, and three pass deflections. Those figures reflect his role as a hard-working, team-first safety who has steadily grown within the Bears’ defense.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 season, Elijah Hicks continued to serve as a depth safety and special teams player for the Chicago Bears. His experience within the defensive scheme has allowed him to contribute in multiple phases of the game, including on coverage units and in spot defensive duties. The Bears have continued to count on his reliability and veteran understanding of the system.
Looking ahead, Hicks remains under contract with the Bears and is expected to compete for an expanded role within the secondary. His development path and the trust he has built with the coaching staff position him to remain a meaningful contributor in the seasons ahead.
Driving Style and Strengths
On the field, Elijah Hicks is recognized for his disciplined tackling, strong awareness in zone coverage, and willingness to support the run. His experience as a seventh-round pick has shaped a workmanlike approach, emphasizing fundamentals and consistency over flash. Those traits have allowed him to remain a reliable piece of the Bears’ defense.
Notable Events and Milestones
Elijah Hicks’ most notable achievements include his First-team All-Pac-12 selection in 2021 and his appearance in 15 games during his 2022 rookie season. Being drafted by the Bears, the team he grew up watching as a Southern California native, has added meaning to his professional journey.
Elijah Hicks Career Wins
Across his professional career with the Chicago Bears, Elijah Hicks has been a consistent contributor in the secondary and on special teams. While his role has not always been measured by headline numbers, his steady production in tackles and turnover plays has provided value to the Bears’ defense.
Chicago Bears Highlights
Hicks’ rookie season produced 28 total tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery across 15 games and two starts. Since then, he has continued to add to his totals, reaching 122 career tackles, three fumble recoveries, and three pass deflections with the Bears.
Other Performances
At the collegiate level, Hicks earned First-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2021, capping a five-year run with the California Golden Bears. His college performance laid the foundation for his selection in the 2022 NFL draft and his continued presence in the NFL.
Elijah Hicks Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Elijah Hicks was born and raised in Long Beach, California, a city with a strong football tradition. He attended La Mirada High School, where he built the foundation for his future career as a defensive back.
Personal Life
Off the field, Hicks keeps much of his personal life private. He is known to engage with fans through social media, including his verified Instagram account, where he shares updates from his professional football career.
