Yaqub Talib Formally Sentenced To 37 Years For Killing Little League Football Coach

Yaqub Talib will spend the next 37 years of his life behind bars for the brutal murder of a little league football coach in front of several children.

Yaqub received his sentence on Monday, though he’d previously accepted a plea deal last month in the case, which automatically gave him nearly four decades behind bars. The 40-year-old was originally scheduled to go to trial the same day he formally learned his fate. However, given the evidence, he chose to forfeit going before a jury.  

His judgment brings to a close the tragic case of an argument gone too far at a children’s football game. On August 13th, 2022, Yaqub shot coach Mike Hickmon, who was coaching the team playing against the one his child was on. Yaqub was reportedly upset over a call Hickmon made, which resulted in a physical altercation, followed by him firing at Hickmon multiple times, striking him in front of stunned attendees, including his family. 

Yaqub is the brother of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player Aqib Talib. Witnesses say he also became upset over the play and confronted Hickmon. According to a lawsuit filed by the family, Aqib punched Hickmon before Yaqub shot him. He is being sued for wrongful death for inciting violence, though he has not been charged with any crime. 

During Monday’s hearing, Hickmon’s family read impact statements, letting Yaqub know the extent of the hurt he has inflicted. 

“You killed innocence. You killed souls, hopes, dreams, of not just my kids but of the 30 or 40 other kids who were there. Who does that? How did you think that was right?” Hickmon’s wife, Kenyetta, read out loud local outlet WFAA reports. 

The family is seeking $1 million in damages from the Talib brothers.