Dwight Hicks: 49er
San Francisco Forty Niners Super Bowl defensive star Dwight Hicks began his stellar Career at the University of Michigan in 1974, where he received All-Big Ten Conference Honors in 1976, 1977 and All American honors, in 1977.
He gained national recognition for outstanding personal performances in the 1976 Orange Bowl and during back-to-back Rose Bowl appearances in 1977 and 1978.
Dwight began his professional career playing defensive back for the Toronto Argonauts in 1978. He signed with the San Francisco Forty Niners in 1979, as a free safety, and was voted the team’s defensive captain from 1983-85 by his peers. He led his team in interceptions in 1979-1981 and 1983. Dwight’s outstanding play led him to four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances and two Super Bowl Rings.
In the 1981 Super Bowl game against the Cincinnati Bengals Dwight’s interception played a pivotal role in the 49ers first Super Bowl victory. The 49ers fumbled the opening kickoff losing possession to Cincinnati. The Bengals had a great scoring opportunity and drove to San Francisco’s 5-yard line. Dwight Hicks’ clutch interception prevented the Bengals from scoring and setup a 49ers touchdown on their ensuing drive. San Francisco built up a 20-0 lead at halftime, eventually winning the game 26-21.
The unstoppable “Dwight Hicks and the Hot Licks” (the entire secondary) made the Pro Bowl in 1984 and won Super Bowl XIX (the second of two Super Bowl rings he received). Dwight was selected a member of the 49ers “All Time Team” by the San Francisco Chronicle. Dwight Hicks ended his career with the Indianapolis Colts where he played during the 1986 season.
In his 8 seasons with the NFL, Hicks recorded 32 interceptions, 602 interception return yards, 14 fumble recoveries, 112 fumble return yards, and 4 touchdowns (3 interceptions, 1 fumble return). He also gained 461 yards returning kickoffs and punts. In his season with the Argonauts in Toronto he had 2 interceptions.