By Moses Joshua 
Once viewed as a potential succession plan in Detroit, Hendon Hooker is now chasing relevance again after a harsh reality check at the NFL level.
A Third-Round Gamble That Never Paid Off
When the Detroit Lions selected Hendon Hooker in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the move was rooted in uncertainty. Jared Goff’s long-term future wasn’t fully settled, and Hooker—fresh off a prolific college career—was seen as a developmental option with upside.
That upside never materialized in Detroit.
Hooker’s time with the Lions was brief and largely uneventful. He attempted just nine passes in live NFL action and struggled badly when given extended opportunities during the 2025 preseason. That preseason, in particular, proved decisive. The performance was poor enough that Detroit ultimately moved on, ending what became one of the more regrettable draft decisions of the Dan Campbell era.
A Brutal Preseason Seals His Fate
Opportunity did knock for Hooker last summer—but it didn’t go well.
Competing for the backup role, he completed only 55 percent of his passes, failed to throw a single touchdown, and tossed three interceptions. The contrast was stark, especially considering the player he was battling. While Hooker faltered, his competition capitalized, and the gap became impossible to ignore.
For a quarterback drafted inside the top 100, the margin for error is already thin. After that preseason, it disappeared entirely.
Detroit cut ties, and Hooker spent weeks without a team, his NFL future suddenly in serious doubt.
Jets Offer a Familiar Lifeline
Now, Hooker has resurfaced—this time in New York.
The Jets, dealing with injuries to Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields while leaning on undrafted rookie Brady Cook, signed Hooker to their practice squad. The move comes with a sense of familiarity. Hooker knows Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand from their time together in Detroit, a connection that likely helped open the door.
It’s not a glamorous opportunity, but it is a second chance.
The Jets are giving Hooker a place to work, learn, and remain close to an active roster at a time when quarterback depth is at a premium across the league.
College Stardom vs. Pro Reality
Hooker’s fall has been jarring largely because of how dominant he once looked.
Between Virginia Tech and Tennessee, he threw 80 touchdown passes against just 12 interceptions, showcasing efficiency, poise, and explosive playmaking. But NFL teams had concerns long before his name was called on draft day—his age (25 as a rookie) and the simplified nature of Tennessee’s offense raised questions about how quickly he could adapt.
Those concerns proved justified.
Even a brief stop with the Carolina Panthers didn’t last, as a quarterback-needy franchise decided he wasn’t worth keeping. His release on November 4 only reinforced how far his stock had dropped.
A Chance, Not a Comeback
Despite landing with the Jets, expectations remain modest. New York is reportedly pleased with how Cook has handled the offense under difficult circumstances, and Hooker’s track record doesn’t suggest he’s poised to leapfrog anyone on the depth chart.
This isn’t a revenge tour. It’s a survival attempt.
Hooker now finds himself where many former draft disappointments end up—on a practice squad, hoping preparation and persistence can buy another opportunity. Whether he ever gets it remains uncertain.
For now, his story is less about redemption and more about resilience. The Lions have moved on, and the league has largely moved with them. But as long as Hooker has a helmet and a playbook, his NFL story isn’t quite finished.