4/15/05
Catching Up with Anthony Hicks
What’s your occupation now?
Right now I'm in a business development office for a financial company in Dallas doing asset-based lending to commercial companies.
What major did you complete to lead you to your career?
I went through corporate communications in the school of communications. They had started that degree about 1997, and after a stint in the business school and trying economics, I decided to take a different route, and this one was the best for me.
What led you to Dallas for your career?
I'm originally from Dallas. I went to Lake Highlands High School and grew up in the northern part of Dallas. I always knew once I go through that, unless football carried me elsewhere, I would end up back in Dallas. The opportunities I had for jobs were in Dallas. I had a few elsewhere, but the best one for me was in Dallas, and it's only about five minutes from my house, so it was very convenient.
How did you chose your career?
After the combine, I had an opportunity to go out to Oakland for a tryout, and I really wasn't feeling the XFL and by that time it was too late to play in Canada, and I was just ready to try something else. When that happened, this job opportunity came up, and it was the best things for me.
What did you take from your combine experience you could tell some of the Longhorns who are in a position to be drafted this year?
I would say to make it more personal than just trying to do something to catch somebody's eye. Go out there and do your work. It is overwhelming and it really takes you by surprise. It caught me by surprise, and even watching it when other people worked out and I watched Wayne and Ricky and a few other people, you get a feel for it and think, ŒThis is going to be fun when it's my turn.' When it actually comes, you're very nervous. Just don't let your nerves get in the way. Block everything out and pretend it's just you doing your normal workout and do the best you can.
What kind of feelings do you have when you see your former teammates?
It's great. I only really get to see them a few times a year if you get to see them at a football game or an event. To come back and see some of the former players at the golf tournament, even those you didn't know, but you've heard about before, it's great to put a face to the name. Then you see the guys you played with, it's a great thing, and I'm glad to be a part of it. It's great people, great contacts and a lot of great stories. It's a great bond.
What’s your favorite story?
I've got a few, but I'd have to say the Nebraska games of 1998 and 1999. Playing Virginia and seeing Phil Dawson kick that field goal, being at the game when Ricky broke the record, being in the locker room when we won the Big 12, the last Southwest Conference, the Cotton Bowl, those types of things. They were just great feelings. There are so many stories of unsung heroes. Bryan White's catch at Nebraska, Derek (Lewis') catch when we won the Big 12 Championship. There were so many stories and great moments I was able to experience. The bonds and friendships are incredible.
Who has the atmosphere of the program been like since Coach Brown arrived?
He came in with a plan and realized that our letterman association was not strong enough. His idea was to rebuild it and bring it back. His plan has worked magnificently. If you're bringing back the lettermen and the great players of old, it just builds pride in the team – the team of old, the team of new and the team of the future. You create that backing behind the team on and off the field. I think that's what he's done. He's brought old players back to influence new players in different aspects of their lives, whether it's dealing with the NFL, dealing with business, dealing with football, dealing with class. Who better to ask than someone who has been through it? That's what he's done and I think it's paid off for all of us.
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