Chicago Bears defensive tackle Akiem Hicks is coming off the best year of his career. It appears he has an idea of what led to his success in the 2018 NFL season.

Hicks has enjoyed quite the resurgence since signing with Chicago. According to Dan Pompei of TheAthletic.com, he admits it is nice to feel appreciated for once in his career:

“I’m appreciated here for everything I am,” Hicks said. “I’ve never been expected to be anyone but myself here, and when I’m myself, I’m at my best.”

The New Orleans Saints initially took Hicks in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Despite showing some promise as a starter early on, he was never able to take that next step in New Orleans. As a result, he was eventually traded to the New England Patriots in exchange for tight end Michael Hoomanawanui.

Hicks had tested the free agency market after one season in New England. Although there was certainly no shortage of interest in his services, his ties to Chicago and respect for general manager Ryan Pace led him to sign a two-year, $10 million deal with the team. It did not take him long to establish himself as an integral part of the defense, and the Bears quickly showed their appreciation by rewarding him with a four-year, $48 million contract extension the following year.

Hicks thrived in former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's defense and was finally named to his first career Pro Bowl last season. While Fangio may be gone, the Bears will continue to rely heavily on him as the anchor of the defense up front.