Faion Hicks Bio
Faion Hicks (born September 2, 1997) is an American professional football cornerback. He played college football at Wisconsin and was selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft. After time on practice squads across the league, he signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Faion Hicks was born on September 2, 1997, in Pembroke Pines, Florida, United States. He grew up in the same South Florida community where he would later attend Charles W. Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines. Standing 178 centimeters tall and competing at roughly 87 kilograms, Hicks developed the lean, athletic build that became central to his identity as a cover cornerback.
Coming out of high school, Hicks was rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals.com. His recruiting profile attracted attention from a wide range of college programs, with Hicks ultimately receiving 10 scholarship offers during the recruiting process. The schools that pursued him included Appalachian State, Iowa State, and Wisconsin, all of which saw his length and ball skills as a foundation worth developing.
Path to American Football
Hicks committed to the Wisconsin Badgers in late 2016, choosing the Big Ten program over the other suitors on his offer sheet. He enrolled and began his college career in 2017, joining a Wisconsin secondary known for producing NFL-caliber defensive backs. Over the following seasons, he worked his way into the cornerback rotation and developed the technique that would eventually catch the attention of NFL scouts.
After completing his college career with the Badgers, Hicks declared for the 2022 NFL draft. His size, press-man experience, and special teams versatility made him an attractive late-round option for teams looking to add depth in the secondary. The Denver Broncos selected him in the seventh round, 232nd overall, giving Hicks his first opportunity in professional football.
Faion Hicks Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
During his time at Wisconsin, Faion Hicks carved out a role in the Badgers’ defensive backfield. He appeared in multiple seasons for the program, contributing on defense and on special teams units where his tackling and coverage skills translated. By the end of his college career, he had earned enough recognition to be viewed as a draftable prospect.
That development set the stage for his entry into the NFL. Scouts noted his physical tools and his willingness to compete at the line of scrimmage, traits that would later define his journey through professional rosters.
Denver Broncos (2022–2023)
Faion Hicks began his NFL career with the Denver Broncos, the team that drafted him in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft. His initial stint in Denver was brief at the top of the roster, as he was waived on August 30, 2022, during final cuts. The very next day, he was signed to the Broncos’ practice squad, allowing him to begin his professional development within the same organization.
On January 9, 2023, Hicks signed a reserve/future contract with Denver, securing his place on the offseason roster. That summer, on August 29, 2023, the Broncos waived him again. The move ended his time with the franchise that originally drafted him but opened the door to the next chapter of his career.
New Orleans Saints (2023–2024)
On September 13, 2023, Hicks signed with the New Orleans Saints practice squad, joining a defensive system that frequently used multiple cornerback rotations. His experience in press coverage made him a fit for the Saints’ approach on the perimeter.
Following the conclusion of the 2023 NFL regular season, the Saints signed Hicks to a reserve/future contract on January 8, 2024. That move tied him to New Orleans through the offseason, but he was waived on June 17, 2024, clearing the way for another opportunity elsewhere.
Cleveland Browns (2024)
On August 4, 2024, Hicks signed with the Cleveland Browns as part of the team’s preparations for the upcoming season. The Browns’ defensive staff evaluated him as a depth piece for the cornerback room heading into training camp.
His time in Cleveland was short, as he was waived on August 26, 2024. Despite the quick turnaround, the stint added another stop to his growing professional résumé.
Seattle Seahawks (2024)
Just days after his release from Cleveland, Hicks was signed by the Seattle Seahawks to their practice squad on August 30, 2024. Seattle’s defensive system gave him another platform to refine his technique and contribute on special teams.
Hicks remained on the Seahawks’ practice squad until November 26, 2024, when he was released. The transaction brought an end to his 2024 NFL cycle and set up his next professional move.
Birmingham Stallions (2025–Present)
On March 15, 2025, Faion Hicks signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League, joining one of the spring league’s most consistent championship contenders. The Stallions’ defensive staff brought him in to compete for a role in the secondary and on special teams.
He was released by the Stallions on May 20, 2025, ending that chapter of his career. His journey through multiple NFL organizations and the UFL has marked him as a determined professional who has continued to find opportunities at the highest levels of the sport.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining milestone of Faion Hicks’ career came when he heard his name called in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos. Being selected 232nd overall validated his college trajectory at Wisconsin and confirmed that his profile as a long, physical cornerback was enough to earn a professional opportunity.
Faion Hicks Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Faion Hicks’ immediate family is limited, and confirmed details about his parents or relatives have not been made broadly available. He grew up in Pembroke Pines, Florida, and attended Charles W. Flanagan High School, where his development as an athlete took shape before his move to Wisconsin.
Personal Life
Details about Faion Hicks’ marital status, spouse, and children are not publicly confirmed in available sources. He has maintained a presence on social media, including an Instagram account, where fans can follow updates about his ongoing professional football career.
2025 Season Performance
Faion Hicks’ 2025 began with a move to spring football, signing with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League on March 15, 2025. The transition to the UFL gave him a chance to play meaningful snaps in a competitive environment after a year spent navigating practice squads in Cleveland and Seattle.
His tenure with the Stallions ended on May 20, 2025, when he was released. The brief stint added another professional chapter to a career that has already included stops with the Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, and Seattle Seahawks.
Looking ahead, Hicks remains an active professional cornerback whose experience in multiple defensive systems could attract interest from NFL or spring league teams seeking depth in the secondary. His path through the league has demonstrated persistence, and his 2025 outlook will depend on where his next opportunity arises.