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The Chicago Bears will host the New England Patriots this weekend, which means it's time to consider one of Gillette Stadium's most recent outstanding defectors at Soldier Field: defensive tackle Akiem Hicks.
Focused on a deal in 2015 that sent Michael Hoomanawanui to New Orleans, Hicks immediately contributed, recording three sacks, four hits and 11 quick throws in 13 games. He left for Chicago after the 2015 season, and before the match this weekend, he remembered his introduction to Bill Belichick's way of doing business.
"Celebrate with your teammates"
"When I first came in and played some of my first action in the game, I played a piece and made gestures towards the crowd or from the crowd. a kind of half-celebration, "said Hicks laughing during a conference call. "And I went back on the sidelines, and Bill came to me and said, 'We do not need that. We do not need that here. And it was: "OK, I guess there are no celebrations after the big plays." It was a part of my experience there. "Party with your teammates" is the message I got from there. "
Akiem Hicks loves bear life. (Getty)
Yes, this seems appropriate for an organization run by Belichick, who looks as happy on the sidelines as in an appendectomy. But do not judge Hicks yet.
Hicks "loved" his stay in New England
Lest you think for a second that Hicks was joining the growing number of players destroying Belichick after they left, he's not bitter at all.
"I loved it, man, absolutely loved it," Hicks said of his stay in New England. "I loved the way the organization worked. Excellent coaching, nothing but phenomenal things to say from top to bottom about this organization. I remember very well the morning sessions, at 8 pm, maybe around 7.30 pm, and the visit of Mr. [Robert] Kraft arrives in the meeting room and sits down with his sneakers. It was a great experience for me.
Belichick feels a lot of grief about treating players as assets available, using them and throwing them aside, but he strongly insisted on keeping Hicks, even going so far as to pass a shot of last-minute phone to try to convince him. stay with New England. But Hicks finally opted for Chicago and the offer paid off; he signed a four-year extension of $ 48 million for the final off season.
The Patriots will face the Bears this weekend in what will be a tougher test for Chicago than for New England. And Hicks, with defensive monster Khalil Mack, could have a significant impact on the game's outcome.
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Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at [email protected] or find him on Twitter or on Facebook. "data-reactid =" 41 ">
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Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at [email protected] or find him on Twitter or on Facebook.
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