Alijah Hicks was born on October 16, 1999, in La Mirada, California. He grew up in a low-income household with parents who instilled in him the values of hard work and giving back to the community. His parents, Tony Hicks and Shedra Rucker, always encouraged him to help others, which shaped his character from a young age. Alijah is the second of eleven children, with five boys and six girls in his family. In his early years, he primarily lived with his mother and would often visit his father on weekends.
As a high school student, Alijah was a standout athlete and a three-star recruit in football. His talent on the field caught the attention of college scouts, and in January 2017, he graduated and decided to pursue his passion for football by committing to play for the Golden Bears at the University of California.
During his college career, Alijah Hicks made a name for himself as an outstanding safety for the California Golden Bears football team. He amassed an impressive 213 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 1 touchdown, showcasing his skill and dedication to the game. In 2021, he was honored as California's most valuable defensive player, cementing his place as a standout athlete in collegiate football.
Alijah Hicks continued to pursue his football career after college and was selected by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. His hard work and determination paid off as he joined the NFL team, fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing professional football at the highest level.
Aside from his success on the field, Alijah Hicks is also known for his philanthropic efforts in giving back to the community. In 2021, he won the Pop Warner College Football Award and was a semi-finalist for the Campbell Trophy, known as the Academic Heisman. He founded the non-profit organization Intercept Poverty to raise money for the No Kid Hungry cause, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact on those in need.
Outside of football and charity work, Alijah Hicks values his family and upbringing, which have shaped him into the person he is today. His close-knit family and supportive parents have been instrumental in guiding him towards success both on and off the field. He credits his upbringing for instilling in him the values of hard work, compassion, and helping others.
Alijah Hicks has also shown a dedication to teamwork and collaboration in his endeavors. He recruited former teammate Ashtyn Davis to assist him in raising funds for the No Kid Hungry non-profit, highlighting his commitment to working together to make a difference in the lives of others.
Overall, Alijah Hicks' story is one of perseverance, dedication, and giving back to the community. From his humble beginnings in a low-income household to his success on the football field and in philanthropy, he has shown that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. His legacy as a football player and humanitarian will continue to inspire others to follow their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.