Bears defensive lineman Akiem Hicks spends day ‘tailgating’ on South Side

“Tailgate Tuesday” hosted more than 100 children and their families for a day of games, crafts and their very own football field that Hicks was able to showcase his quarterback skills on.

By Annie Costabile

Akiem Hicks received an honorary jersey from the SOS Children’s Village of Illinois during his visit to help the children get ready to head back to school.

Akiem Hicks walked up to the SOS Children’s Villages Illinois in Auburn Park on Tuesday and was greeted with one of the warmest welcomes he said he has ever had in his career.

He was there to “tailgate” but really the Bears’ defensive lineman was helping kids get ready to head back to school by supplying backpacks and imparting some valuable life lessons of hard work and compassion.

“When I go to a school or I make a visit such as this, I love to see the light in the kids’ eyes,” Hicks said. “To see how much they’re enjoying it and see myself imparting whatever wisdom that I can add to their lives.”

“Tailgate Tuesday,” as the event was named, hosted more than 100 children and their families for a day of games, crafts and their very own football field that Hicks was able to showcase his quarterback skills on.

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