Former Tennessee football quarterback Hendon Hooker caught the eye of multiple Detroit Lions reporters on Sunday.
The two-year Vol who has spent his entire NFL career as a backup for the Lions to this point is seemingly having things begin to click for him. Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News started the dialogue by posting what he witnessed during the session.
“Heading back in to write a full list of observations, but for me, the headline of today’s #Lions practice was the performance from Hendon Hooker,” Bianchi posted on his X account. “One of the sharpest sessions I’ve ever seen from him.”
Another Lions reporter chimed in with his thoughts, as well. Ben Raven of MLive ‘seconded’ the report from Bianchi.
“ball is coming out,” Raven posted on his X account. “it’s coming out quick. they are mixing in tempo and audibles, and he looks comfortable. he was strong yesterday, even better Day 2 of camp. seeing actual growth there for sure.”
seconded.
ball is coming out. it’s coming out quick. they are mixing in tempo and audibles, and he looks comfortable. he was strong yesterday, even better on Day 2 of camp. seeing actual growth there for sure. https://t.co/ssweFsqF5w
— Ben Raven (@BenjaminSRaven) July 21, 2025
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Hooker is preparing for his third season in the NFL. After being selected with the No. 68 pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he was forced to sit out his rookie season due to his ACL injury at Tennessee.
Last season, Hooker appeared in just three games while posting 62 yards on 6-for-9 passing.
Hooker spent a pair of seasons with the Vols before exhausting his eligibility. He initially committed to Tennessee under Jeremy Pruitt, but stayed for Josh Heupel’s first season despite a coaching change. Hooker did not win the starting job in 2021, but took over after replacing an injured Joe Milton III in the second game of the year.
He held on to this starting job for the remainder of the 2021 season, leading Tennessee to a 7-6 record. Hooker remained the starter for the following year, where he took off. Leading the Vols to a New Year’s Six bowl, wins over Alabama and Florida and a No. 1 ranking in the country, he was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year.
His season was ultimately cut short, though, after he suffered an ACL injury at South Carolina late in the season.
Hooker began his college career at Virginia Tech before transferring to play for the Vols. He is from Greensboro, North Carolina, where he played football and basketball for James B. Dudley.
