VIDEO: Emotional Akiem Hicks Admits It May Be His Final Year With Bears

When talking about favorite Chicago Bears of the past decade? It’s a safe bet that more than a few fans out there will name Akiem Hicks as their #1. The big defensive lineman has embodied the spirit of this franchise better than anybody with his tenacity, heart, and physical domination. Nobody was more fun to watch when the motor was running hot. One would think an organization would love to keep him around.

Sadly, that may not be in the cards for Hicks and it seems he is coming to that realization. A few months ago it was reported that the 31-year old was seeking a new contract from the Bears. It was his desire to stay in Chicago and hopefully retire a Bear. Negotiations never seemed to materialize. As time has gone on, it seems like they never will. When asked about it during his latest press conference, Hicks admitted this might be the end of the road.

Watching him work to maintain his composure was difficult.

This is what can make the NFL such a cruel business. It is difficult to grow attached to players these days because the chances of them not being around long are always there. Only a select few ever get to finish their careers on their original teams or teams they grew most attached to. It is obvious Akiem Hicks found his home in Chicago and is desperate to help bring this city a championship.

The problem is too many factors are working against him. His age for one. Also a growing list of injury problems that keep cropping up. Lastly is the price tag. He will want to be compensated like somebody who is a proven centerpiece of a defense. Considering the Bears will likely have an entirely new regime in charge by next month? That doesn’t seem possible unless he were willing to take a discount.

So yeah, this is probably it for him. And that sucks.