September 15, 2009

From Toddler to Ticats: Justin Hickman

By Erin Sue

Most people’s first impression of the only child is quiet, spoiled, happy with their own company, and the apple of their parents eyes. All true. What many of you don’t know is that as an only child you never get away with anything. If something gets broken, you did it, placing blame is not an option. More importantly, and exhaustingly, the parents are extremely critical of everything you do, especially academically or in this case, athletically.

Defensive end #95, Justin Hickman cannot be defined by these features exclusively. He can however be described as a number one family guy who has a sports obsession, is secretly a car DJ, and contrary to his beliefs, a picky eater.

This soft, well-spoken guy has his love for career and family tattooed on both arms. With waves rolling through all the water bordering states his family is from, his struggle through life-challenges and of course his eye is on the prize, Justin’s arms tell his odyssey from minor football to the playing with the pros, all the while showing his family support and affiliations.

Playing football almost out of the womb this kid is a complete natural, not to mention that being 6’2″ and 263-pounds is in any way detrimental to his playing abilities. Justin is a focused and driven player who is his worst critic, on and off the field.

Growing up, Justin dreamed football like many, but had the history and guidance from a father who played pro. Friday games in high school were followed by watching film at home and discussing play-by-plays of the game. This family is all about the football and reaping the benefits of a good game.

“We have a memorabilia room in our house, my mom has all my trophies she’s accumulated and articles. The room is split between my stuff and my dad’s. There are my jerseys, his, college action photos of both, and our pro-photos. It’s nice, I’m not going to lie,” laughs Hickman.

With this kind of backing its no wonder that Justin takes his game personally and seriously. Downtime for this athlete is spent catching up on reading biographies such as Lawrence Taylor, Walter Payton, and John Wooden as well as non-fiction written by some of America’s most memorable coaches and athletes. His recent find is Uncommon, by Tony Dungy, a former NFL player and head coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 2002 to 2008.

By learning as much as he can from the best, it’s no wonder that on joining the Washington Redskins in 2007 he focused in on the one and only, Sean Taylor.

“The biggest thing I learnt was when I was in camp with the Washington Redskins, Sean Taylor, God rest his soul, he’s probably the most humble superstar that I have ever been around. It’s just the way he played the game. I used to just watch him, he was always 100 percent. Every time I got the chance I tried to talk to him,” comments Hickman.

By almost means of osmosis, Justin absorbs the written as well as the verbal and puts it to good use towards his career.

“The one thing Justin is going to bring to the table is that he’s going to be consistent day in and day out,” explains the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Defensive Line Coach John Kropke. “Justin is one of those guys whose going to work really hard. He’s a very good pass rusher, he uses his hands well. He’s a very smart football player. That’s the one thing we can really count on him, he knows where to go, he’s going to do his job and he’s going to be a very disciplined player.”

Sidebar:
Childhood memory: Family time.
Most interesting hobby you have: hmm, I’m kinda boring.
Nickname: Charlie
Best Game: My senior year against USC, my last home game, we pulled it off. By far it was my best game.
What is your theme song: TI You Don’t Know Me
Favourite meal: Chicken Enchiladas, no sauce though.
Wise words from Justin: Humidity is the worst thing ever created.
Who is your best cheerleader: My mom is definitely in the race with my dad.
Final words: It’s been an honour and a privilege.