🦁 Reunited in Detroit: Hooker and Small Rekindle Tennessee Magic at Lions Camp

🔁 A Familiar Face Shows Up at Lions Camp

The Detroit Lions made a quiet move this week—but if you’re a fan of chemistry, nostalgia, or underdog stories, you’ll want to pay attention.

The Lions just signed former Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small, reuniting him with his old college quarterback Hendon Hooker. The two lit it up in Knoxville a few seasons back, combining for over 2,000 rushing yards, 26 touchdowns, and a signature win over LSU.

Now, they’re teammates again—only this time, the stakes are higher, and the window is tighter.

🔨 Small Signing, Big Opportunity

Let’s be real: Detroit’s backfield is stacked. With Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and Craig Reynolds already on the roster—and exciting depth in Sione Vaki and Kye Robichaux—Jabari Small isn’t walking into a cakewalk.

But here’s the thing: the Lions just waived rookie back Anthony Tyus III (non-football illness), and training camp is exactly where depth battles and longshot stories are born.

Small brings familiarity. Toughness. A history of playing complementary football to Hooker’s electric style. In a camp room full of unfamiliar faces, he’s the one guy Hooker already trusts.

That matters.

🤝 Hooker’s Quiet Advantage

Training camp isn’t just about talent—it’s about rhythm, confidence, and finding your voice.

Hendon Hooker is battling veteran Kyle Allen for the backup quarterback role behind Jared Goff. Allen’s seen NFL action. Hooker, while promising, is still learning the pro game.

But when he lines up with Small in the backfield? That snap feels a little crisper. The exchange is smoother. The read? Maybe just a split-second faster.

It’s not everything. But it’s not nothing.

🔥 Why You Should Root for This Duo

Hooker and Small helped Tennessee revive its football identity in 2022. They did it with grit, trust, and a little bit of SEC swagger. Now, with Small in a “camp body” role, he’s got a final shot to crack an NFL roster.

And for Hooker, having his old running mate beside him might just help him win the No. 2 job in Detroit.

Two longshots. One training camp. And a whole lot of Volunteer vibes in Motown.

Keep an eye on this pairing—it might quietly shape the Lions’ quarterback room more than you’d expect.