Dear Hendon Hooker,
I owe you an apology. Admittedly I was frustrated when you were drafted by the Detriot Lions, which have been one of the most pathetic franchises in the NFL and all of sports. I thought you deserved better because you were such a great player and leader at Tennessee and even – by all accounts – a better person during your time at Tennessee, which ended in a magical 2022 run, which was highlighted by wins over Alabama and Florida.
I guess I was hoping you’d be selected by a tradition-laden, successful franchise like the Dallas Cowboys, the Pittsburgh Steelers or the New England Patriots. In retrospect, those teams weren’t quite so successful this season – to different degrees. Now, it’s the Lions that are making noise in the playoffs.
I even (somewhat) jokingly said you should sit out there year and re-enter the NFL Draft. Again, I was wrong. That would have gotten you shunned by the league and was, in retrospect, an emotional response. I won’t, however, apologize for saying that you couldn’t overcome being drafted by any team. Your stubbornness to succeed in college was proof that you could succeed in the NFL despite the challenges. When you were drafted by the Lions, I thought you would eventually have to have success elsewhere as they would eventually fail you. That hasn’t been the case. In fact, the Lions made sure to clear way for you to be on the postseason roster. Not surprisingly, the Lions see what they have in Hooker and that’s a very special talent. Moreover, the future looks bright.
First, the Lions are being run better than they’ve been managed in about half a century. Second, there’s no reason you can’t be a starter in Detroit fairly soon. Lions’ quarterback Jared Goff led Detroit into the playoffs, but he doesn’t have a long-term choke-hold on the starting job despite two consecutive solid seasons. However, that could change since Goff is expected to receive a contract extension.
Goff’s current deal runs out after this season. While he may receive an extension, he could also look elsewhere. Even if he does sign a long-term deal with the Lions, I’m not ruling you out after what I saw you overcome in college. It wouldn’t surprise me if you’re eventually a starter in Detroit nor would it surprise me if you became a starter elsewhere.
In closing, things seem to be working out for you in the NFL, Mr. Hooker, and that’s a good thing. It’s nice to see things work out well for good people. It’s nice to see things work out spectacularly for great people, which you certainly seem to be one.
My apologies for raining on your draft day parade. I couldn’t be more happy to be wrong.
Kudos and here’s to continued success,
Dave Hooker
8 Responses
Good job Dave. Well said and I’m sure appreciated. Go Vols.
Nice letter!! Great young man!!
Hendon Hooker is a great Quarterback and person . He rates in Tennessee like Manning did and I’m sure he will be good with the Detroit Lions when his time comes. Oh yes I was disappointed when he got drafted by the Lions needless to say he may be the man to break the Lions wide open . Good luck Mr Hooker your time will come and you will shine.
As a vfl fan for life I not only want my beloved vols win but to have a vfl an a very good man I want nothing but success in your life Mr H.Hooker congrats an hope u r Superbowl bound GBO,Go LIONS,an for the other me hooker ty Dave for all u do keep up the wonderful work sir
I’m “Hooked!”
Amazing words from you Mr Dave Hooker. Great words of support and confidence. Sometimes people have more wisdom than we give them credit for. We have to let people live their lives by which decisions that they have made. In those choices come consequences. Some are good some not so much, however there will also be a lesson learned. I guess its human nature to sit back and call shots on how things should go. I am 54 yrs old and still learn everyday. The best we can do is believe in people. Support them in their journeys for none of us know what the outcome will be everytime. That’s why games are played. That’s why there are odds on gambling on teams. Nothing is a sure thing. So be careful to judge and give opinions. The Lions showed us this, even winning another playoff game. In the bigger scheme of things show support even if you feel they are sure to fail (in your eyes). If they do or they don’t, they know you have their back and supported a decision they made in their on. Who knows, that might lead to them asking your opinion on the next decision if this one didnt go well. 😁
Hendon Hooker, from a life long Vols fan, you’re the reason I cheer for the Lions! May God continue to bless them and you!
Mr. HOOKER. IM GLAD YOU SEE THE LIGHT WHEN IT COMES TO HENDON. i also think it will work out great in Detroit for Hendon. You Hookers all seem work for what you want in life. Hendon will be a starter in the NFL somewhere soon. Hendons brother will be in the big time too. Mark my words