How a health scare put Lions QB Hendon Hooker on path to NFL Draft

Before he transferred to Tennessee, Hooker tested positive for COVID-19 while at Virginia Tech. He had a heart screening after leaving quarantine and it was during that screen that he learned he had a heart issue that would require further testing -- with open-heart surgery a possibility.

Facing an uncertain future, Hooker took it to prayer. He and his family leaned heavily on their faith and after a second visit to the doctor, Hooker learned there was no issue and he was cleared to play again.

“It just gave me a new outlook on life and a new appreciation for the game,” Hooker said during the ESPN broadcast of the draft. “I promised the game — after my faith and my family — that I wouldn’t put anything in front of the game of football. That’s what I’ve been doing this whole time, just devoting myself to the game and the grind and the process.”

Looking for a fresh start, Hooker transferred to Tennessee following the 2020 season. In Knoxville, he won the Vols starting quarterback job and went on to establish himself as a legitimate NFL prospect.

In two seasons at Tennessee, Hooker threw for 6,080 yards, 58 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He led UT to a 9-1 record with wins over No. 3 Alabama, No. 20 Florida, No. 19 Kentucky, No. 25 LSU and No. 14 Pittsburgh before suffering an ACL injury on Nov. 19 against South Carolina. 

At the time of his injury, Hooker was considered a front-runner for the Heisman Trophy, ranking second in the FBS in passer rating and eighth in completion percentage. He was also tied for 14th in touchdown passes while leading the SEC in total offense, completion percentage and yards per pass attempt.

Now joining the Lions. Hooker can sit for a year or two behind young veteran Jared Goff and learn offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s schemes and NFL concepts before attempting to make the full transition to starting quarterback in Detroit.