A 2011 first-team All-Pro selection, Nicks was originally selected by New Orleans in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft (164th overall). Over four seasons with the Saints, he appeared in 64 games and started 61 of those. He started all 16 games for the first time in his career during the 2009 season and went on to open the team’s three postseason games on their way to the Super Bowl XLIV title. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2010 and 2011.