Lions QB Hendon Hooker is Trending After Decking Giants Defender

Hendon Hooker has made his debut in the NFL! After missing his rookie year due to an ACL injury, the Tennessee product finally made his first start in the Detroit Lions' preseason game against the New York Giants.

Hooker had a few good throws here and there. However, the highlight of his night was not from a pass. Hooker ran the ball a few times, including one time in the second quarter, where he ran after rolling out.

In the open field, Hooker juked one defender before leveling a Giants defender for the first down. That Lions quarterback showed off his wheels and strength in that hit, which was reminiscent of his last year in Tennessee.

Fans immediately took notice. Some pointed out that Hooker made that hit look like it came from a defender that happened to play offense.

"Hendon Hooker just blasted through two guys at the same time and this why we’re hype about his game," @gracesporttakes said.

With this play, Lions fans are praying that Hooker finally earns the QB2 role for next season.

Others took the opportunity to dunk on the Giants' awful QB situation.

Hooker was the Lions' third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. At one point, the Tennessee Volunteers quarterback was slated to be a top pick with Bryce Young and CJ Stroud. However, an ACL tear late into his final year dashed his draft stock, causing him to fall that far.

The Lions already have their quarterback for the foreseeable future in Jared Goff. His rebirth in Detroit helped lead the team back to the NFC Championship Game. If Hooker keeps this development up, he might be the heir apparent to Goff in leading Detroit.