T.J. Hockenson

T.J. Hockenson Bio

Thomas James Hockenson is an American professional football tight end for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes, where he earned the John Mackey Award, as the nation’s top tight end in college football. Hockenson was selected in the first round (eighth overall) of the 2019 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions.

Early Life and Background

Thomas James Hockenson was born on July 3, 1997, in Des Moines, Iowa. He grew up in Cherokee, Iowa, and later moved to Chariton, Iowa, during his teenage years. Hockenson attended Chariton High School, where he played both football and basketball. He was a four-year letter winner as a tight end and defensive back, setting school records for receiving yards in a game, season, and career. As a senior, he led his team to the state playoffs and was named to the all-state first team. Hockenson was rated as a three-star recruit and was the seventh-highest rated recruit in Iowa for the class of 2016. He committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes on June 20, 2015.

Path to American Football

Hockenson redshirted his true freshman year in 2016 at the University of Iowa. He became one of two tight ends in the starting lineup for Iowa’s 2017 opener against Wyoming. Hockenson recorded his first career receptions the following week against Iowa State, finishing with two catches for 41 yards. His breakout performance came in an upset victory over then-No. 3 Ohio State, where he led the team with five receptions for 71 yards and two touchdowns. In 2018, Hockenson was named a preseason watchlist candidate for the John Mackey Award. He had a standout season, finishing with 46 receptions for 717 yards and six touchdowns, earning multiple accolades, including the John Mackey Award as the top tight end in college football.

T.J. Hockenson Career

Early Career (2019-2020)

Hockenson was selected by the Detroit Lions in the first round as the eighth overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. He signed a four-year deal with the Lions worth $19.8 million. Hockenson made his regular season debut on September 8, 2019, against the Arizona Cardinals, where he recorded six receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown, setting an NFL record for the most receiving yards by a tight end in a debut. He finished his rookie season with 32 receptions for 367 yards and two touchdowns.

Breakthrough (2021-2022)

Hockenson’s second season saw him named to the Pro Bowl in 2021 after finishing with 67 receptions for 723 yards and six touchdowns. He continued to build on his success in 2022, setting the all-time Lions record for receiving yards in a game by a tight end with 179 yards against the Seattle Seahawks. On November 1, 2022, Hockenson was traded to the Minnesota Vikings, where he continued to excel, finishing the 2022 season with 86 receptions for 914 yards and six touchdowns.

Notable Works and Milestones

Hockenson’s signature work includes his record-setting performances and Pro Bowl selections. He has received multiple awards and accolades throughout his career, including the John Mackey Award and two Pro Bowl selections.

T.J. Hockenson Award Nominations

Throughout his career, T.J. Hockenson has received several nominations, including the John Mackey Award, which he won in 2018, and multiple Pro Bowl nominations.