The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have re-signed international defensive end Justin Hickman, the team announced today.
Hickman, a 6-2, 265-pound native of El Paso, Texas, returned to Hamilton for his second stint with the Ticats on September 17, 2014 after spending two seasons (2012-13) with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. The 29-year-old first landed in the CFL in 2009, when he originally signed with the Tiger-Cats.
Entering his fifth CFL season, the former UCLA Bruin has compiled 153 defensive tackles, 28 quarterback sacks, five tackles for a loss, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 61 games. His 28 career sacks rank him seventh all-time in Ticats history.
In seven starts last season, he registered nine defensive tackles and one quarterback sack.
“Re-signing Justin was key to maintaining the continuity on our defensive line,” said Ticats general manager and head coach Kent Austin. “We are looking forward to Justin having an even more productive season in year two of his return to Hamilton”.
Hickman was named a CFL All-Star, East Division All-Star and the Tiger-Cats Most Outstanding Defensive player after leading the league with a career-high 13 sacks in 2011.
