Michael Hicks was born on the Northeast side of Houston, Texas. He attended W.E. Rogers and Chatham Elementary before attending Lamar Fleming Middle School. In 1991 he enrolled in Kashmere Senior High School and was a varsity three letterman in Football, Basketball and Track. Michael was a regional qualifier in the 200m in 10th grade and a State long jump qualifier in Track and Field his junior year. In 1993 Michael had his best season in football. He led the area in touchdown catches and interceptions. He became the only player in the history of HISD to be named the offensive player of the year, the defensive player of the year and district MVP all in the same year. Michael was also named to the 1994 All State football team. The same year Michael was the second leading score in the Varsity basketball team and lead Greater Houston in steals. Michael earned a scholarship to the University of Texas at El Paso where he broke records for interceptions return yards, longest interception and most touchdowns by a defensive player. In 1999 he signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Michael also played in NFL Europe, Arena Football and the XFL before retiring in 2003 to start a career in Insurance.