South Carolina State Mourns the Loss of Hall of Fame and NFL Running Back Michael Hicks
Loss of a Living Legend
ORANGEBURG, SC – A state of profound grief prevails as South Carolina State mourns the death of its Hall of Fame running back Michael Hicks, who died at 51 at the Thomaston (Ga.) Medical Center. Funeral arrangements managed by Trice Funeral Home of Thomaston remain in process and will be announced on Wednesday.
Hicks, a native of Barnesville, GA, is remembered as one of the most eminent running backs ever to represent the Bulldogs. Despite a three-season tenure, he ranks second in the SC State’s all-time rushing list, accumulating an impressive 4,093 yards during his career.
Unmatched Career Achievements
Besides being the single-season leader for the Bulldogs in rushing touchdowns (22), Hicks held the career record for rushing touchdowns (51) and the highest average rushing yards per game (127.9). He also set the school records for points scored in a season (132) and throughout his career (316). In three consecutive seasons (1993-95), he led both the Bulldogs and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in rushing, earning him the fifth spot for rushing leaders in the MEAC.
Distinguished Career
Hicks, noted for rushing over 100-yards in a game 14 times and going beyond the 200-yard mark four times during his career, is amongst the most celebrated athletes in SCSU sports history. He received first-team All-MEAC honors thrice and was the league’s Offensive Player of the Year in 1995. In addition to earning Sheridan Broadcasting Network (SBN) All-America accolades all three seasons, Hicks was recognized as an Associated Press I-AA All-American for two years.
He found a spot on the SCSU Centennial (1907-2007) Football Team in 2007 and received the honor of being inducted into his alma mater’s Hall of Fame in 2014.
NFL Career
Carving a successful NFL career, Hicks was selected in the seventh round of the 1996 NFL draft by Chicago. He played two successful seasons (1996-1998) with the Bears before joining the Barcelona Dragons of the NFL Europe in 1997.
Epilogue
Hicks’ early demise is an unfortunate event that has left a formidable void in the world of football. His impressive masterpiece continues to inspire and motivate the budding football players of the current generation. His football prowess and commendable dedication to the sport will forever be cherished.
