Jordan Hicks stuns the Browns by retiring on July 26. See how Deshaun Watson, Myles Garrett & young LBs react in this intense 2024 training camp report.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The pads were popping and the energy was electric at the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus as fans got their first look at the 2025 Cleveland Browns. But the biggest collision of the day happened off the field, as veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks abruptly announced his retirement, sending a ripple through the roster and setting the stage for a new kind of training camp battle.
I'm here to compete and learn every day, no matter where I am on the depth chart.
Just as camp was finding its rhythm, Jordan Hicks called it a career after 10 impressive NFL seasons. A rock in the middle of the defense, Hicks' departure leaves a significant void in both leadership and on-field production. While the move was unexpected, it immediately swings the spotlight onto the next men up. The coaching staff will now be looking for younger players like Mohamoud Diabate and Winston Reid to seize this massive opportunity. The battle to fill Hicks' shoes just became one of the most compelling storylines of the summer.
On the field, it was all about competition. Day 3 saw the first full-team drills, and neither side gave an inch. Deshaun Watson was sharp, connecting with his revamped receiving corps including Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore during situational work. But on the other side, Myles Garrett's defensive unit was relentless, creating pressure and making plays. Photos from the session captured the intensity, with stars like Martin Emerson Jr. locked in fierce one-on-one battles. Defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire praised the progress of his young linemen, confirming that the trenches will be a warzone all camp long.
While the veterans battled, rookie quarterback D.J. Sanders showed a maturity beyond his years. Facing the media, Sanders addressed his lack of first-team reps with poise. 'I'm just trying to get better every day and help the team however I can,' he stated, a sentiment that has earned him praise from the coaching staff for his work ethic. While he may be running with the backups for now, his professional approach and determination to learn suggest he's a player to watch as camp progresses. He's not demanding the spotlight; he's earning it.
Day 3 delivered a perfect snapshot of an NFL training camp: the bittersweet farewell of a respected veteran, the fiery competition between established stars, and the quiet determination of a rookie trying to find his way. As the team moves forward, all eyes will be on the linebacker group to see who steps into the void left by Hicks. The intensity is only going to ramp up from here, and the Browns are just getting started.
