Hendon Hooker Bio
Alan Hendon Hooker is an American professional football quarterback currently with the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Virginia Tech and the University of Tennessee, where he earned recognition as the SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2022. Hooker was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Early Life and Background
Hendon Hooker was born on January 13, 1998, in Greensboro, North Carolina. He attended James B. Dudley High School, where he excelled in football and basketball. During his high school football career, Hooker passed for 6,027 yards with 55 touchdowns and rushed for 2,975 yards with 48 touchdowns, finishing as Dudley’s all-time passing leader. He earned NC Preps’ All-State Player of the Year honors and was named to the Associated Press All-State team twice. Hooker also contributed to two state championships and was the 2016 4A state championship MVP. In basketball, he scored over 1,000 points and was a three-time All-Metro conference selection.
Hooker was a highly regarded recruit, rated as a four-star prospect by 247Sports and a three-star quarterback by Rivals.com. His athleticism and leadership were evident from a young age, supported by his family background. He is the son of Alan Hooker, a North Carolina A&T Hall of Fame quarterback, and Wendy Hooker. Hendon has two siblings, including a younger brother who also plays quarterback.
Path to American Football
Hooker committed to Virginia Tech in 2016 after visiting the campus and feeling a strong connection to the program. He redshirted his freshman year in 2017 and competed for the starting quarterback position in 2018. Hooker became the starter in 2019 after the team struggled with turnovers early in the season. He helped lead Virginia Tech to an 8–5 record and a bowl game appearance, finishing the season with solid passing and rushing statistics.
In 2021, Hooker transferred to the University of Tennessee. Initially the backup quarterback, he took over the starting role after an injury to the starter. Hooker quickly became a key player for the Volunteers, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities with impressive passing and rushing performances. His leadership helped Tennessee achieve significant victories and climb the rankings.
Hendon Hooker Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Hooker’s early collegiate career at Virginia Tech saw him develop as a dual-threat quarterback. In 2019, he started 15 games, completing 197 of 312 passes for 2,894 yards, 22 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also contributed significantly on the ground with 123 carries for 356 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. The following season, Hooker continued to demonstrate his versatility, rushing for nine touchdowns and passing for nine touchdowns despite a challenging season for the Hokies.
Tennessee Volunteers Breakthrough (2021–2022)
After transferring to Tennessee in 2021, Hooker took over as the starting quarterback following an injury to Joe Milton. He finished the 2021 season with 2,945 passing yards, 31 passing touchdowns, and three interceptions, along with 616 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. Hooker led the SEC in adjusted passing yards per attempt and passing efficiency rating, helping Tennessee to a 7–6 record.
In 2022, Hooker had a standout season, earning SEC Offensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-SEC honors. He passed for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns, and two interceptions while rushing for additional touchdowns. Hooker led Tennessee to an 11-win season, the most for the program since 2001, and helped the Volunteers reach a #1 ranking in the College Football Playoff rankings for the first time in program history. His performance included a memorable victory over Alabama, where he threw five touchdown passes.
Professional Career (2023–Present)
Hooker was selected by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He spent his rookie season recovering from an ACL injury sustained in college and was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list. Hooker made his NFL debut in October 2024, relieving the starting quarterback in a decisive victory. In August 2025, he was waived by the Lions and subsequently signed to the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad. Later that year, Hooker joined the New York Jets’ practice squad, continuing his professional career.
Playing Style and Strengths
Hendon Hooker is known for his dual-threat ability as a quarterback, combining strong passing skills with effective rushing capability. His athleticism allows him to extend plays and make dynamic decisions under pressure. Hooker’s leadership and work ethic have been praised by coaches and teammates, reflecting his commitment to the game and his team.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hooker’s collegiate career was highlighted by his 2022 SEC Offensive Player of the Year award and leading Tennessee to a historic #1 College Football Playoff ranking. His victory over Alabama in 2022 was a signature moment, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His transition to the NFL marks the beginning of his professional journey after overcoming injury challenges.
Hendon Hooker Career Wins
Throughout his college career, Hendon Hooker contributed to numerous team victories, including bowl game appearances and significant conference wins. His leadership was instrumental in Tennessee’s 11-win season in 2022, one of the best in program history.
College Football Highlights
Hooker’s tenure at Tennessee featured multiple games with three or more passing touchdowns, including standout performances against Kentucky and Florida. His ability to combine passing and rushing touchdowns made him a versatile offensive threat. At Virginia Tech, he helped the Hokies reach bowl eligibility and contributed to key victories during his starting seasons.
Other Wins and Performances
In high school, Hooker led James B. Dudley High School to two state championships, earning MVP honors in the 2016 4A state championship game. His high school success laid the foundation for his collegiate and professional career.
Hendon Hooker Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Hendon Hooker comes from a football family, with his father Alan Hooker being a Hall of Fame quarterback at North Carolina A&T. This lineage has influenced Hendon’s development and passion for the sport. His younger brother also plays quarterback, continuing the family tradition.
Personal Life
Hooker is a Christian and credits his parents for instilling strong values and work ethic. He and his brother co-created a children’s book titled The ABCs of Scripture for Athletes, aiming to positively influence youth through a sports-themed approach to scripture. Hooker’s family support has been a key element in his personal and professional growth.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Hendon Hooker experienced transitions between NFL teams, moving from the Detroit Lions to the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad before joining the New York Jets. These moves reflect the early stages of his professional career as he seeks to establish himself in the league. Hooker’s recovery from injury and adaptation to the NFL level will be critical factors in his development. His work ethic and versatility suggest potential for future contributions as a quarterback in the NFL.