TJ Hockensen Reveals True Feelings On 2022's Trade From Detroit Lions to Minnesota Vikings

TJ Hockensen was traded from the Detroit Lions to Coach Kevin O'Connell's Minnesota Vikings in November 2022, during a time when O'Connell's Vikings were on a hot streak in the NFC North.

Hockensen was asked by the Bussin' With The Boys Podcast whether he felt bitter about being traded away from the franchise that drafted him with the eighth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Related: Commanders Rookie Mike Sainristil Made His Thoughts On Nick Saban's Compliment Extremely Clear

"Take us to the moment where you got traded. How was that for you, were you bitter at first?" Hockensen was asked.

"No, I wouldn't say so, like I kinda, there was a lot of articles (on potential trades) coming out because we were, I think 1-6 at the time," Hockensen said.

Related: Eli Manning Made History With a Photo At Passing Camp That Is Going Viral

"I was in my fourth year at the time, and so, like, I like understood either they're going to want to keep me here or they're going to want to get rid of me and get some draft capital."

Related: Vikings Legend Randy Moss Offers Strong Take On Why JJ McCarthy Should Start In Year One

Related: JJ McCarthy, Justin Jefferson Hilariously Exchange Nicknames At Vikings Practice

Hockensen added that he was "excited" to join the Vikings, who had a winning record at the time. He called O'Connell one of the best young coaches in the NFL.

The former Lions tight end has since gone on to rack up 155 catches in 25 games for the Vikings, and figures to be a primary pass-catching target for either JJ McCarthy or Sam Darnold this season in Minneapolis.