By Julie Bacanskas

At 6-1, 236 pounds, Jordan Hicks seems the epitome of strength.

Opposing teams cannot ignore the linebacker’s presence in the center of the Eagles’ defense week in and week out. During the 2016 season, Hicks racked up 95 total tackles, five interceptions, a sack, and a fumble recovery while playing 95 percent of Philadelphia’s defensive snaps.

But strength isn’t necessarily measured by a person’s size or on-field performance. It’s not equal to the amount of impact plays he makes or the number of wins his team accumulates.

Hicks figured out that life lesson early. Greg Osinski, a friend who would quickly become the most influential person in the linebacker’s life, taught him that.

During his sophomore year at Lakota West in West Chester, Ohio, Hicks was introduced to Osinski, a student with muscular dystrophy. Osinski’s friends, who were all seniors, were preparing to graduate and move on to college, but he was going to remain in high school.

Approached by Osinski’s aide, Darren Walters, Hicks and a group of athletes began spending their fifth-period lunch in study hall with their classmate. Originally, the linebacker looked at it as a way to be a blessing in someone’s life, a way to do something meaningful for a person in need. He didn’t anticipate the bond he and Osinski would develop, nor did he expect his friend to be the one who was a blessing.