Tennessee has had a lot of success recently with former players in the NFL. James Pearce Jr. looks like he could win defensive rookie of the year. Jauan Jennings just had two receiving touchdowns on Sunday versus the Tennessee Titans.
Things have been going well for plenty of former Vols, but for a former star quarterback, it hasn't been going great. Former Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker has had trouble finding his footing in the pros.
In college, he racked up nearly 9,000 career passing yards. He also added 80 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions.
An ACL tear had Hooker fall to the third round of the 2023 NFL draft, where the Detroit Lions selected him. General manager of Detroit, Brad Holmes, spoke very highly of him, saying he'd be a day one quarterback if it weren't for the injury. In Detroit, Hooker was stuck behind Jared Goff and never got much of an opportunity. The Lions eventually released him after the 2025 preseason.
After the Lions released Hooker, the Carolina Panthers signed him, but it didn't last too long. He was released from the team's practice squad after just a few months with the organization. The good news is that Hooker has a new opportunity.
NFL Insider Jordan Schultz has reported that the New York Jets are signing Hooker to their practice squad.
Sources: The #Jets are signing former #Lions QB Hendon Hooker to their practice squad. He worked out for them this morning.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 18, 2025
He reunites with Aaron Glenn and Tanner Engstrand. pic.twitter.com/8SswPPwVCr
Jets sign Hendon Hooker to their practice squad
This is excellent news for the former Vol. he is reunited with two former Lions coaches. Passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Both of these coaches are familiar with his game and what he can do. They wouldn't waste their time if they didn't think Hooker was capable of helping them.
The Jets' signing Hooker to the practice squad doesn't come as a huge surprise, as they desperately need quarterback help. Last week, they trotted out former Mizzou signal-caller Brady Cook. If Hooker can flash in practice, maybe he will earn an opportunity to start for the Jets.
With Hooker being cut twice already, his time in the NFL could be coming to an end soon, so hopefully he can ball out in New York and cement himself in a position to have a backup job next season.