T.J. Hockenson

T.J. Hockenson's Biography

Born on July 3, 1997, Thomas James Hockenson, popularly known as TJ Hockenson, is an accomplished American professional football player. Hockenson currently plays as a tight end for the Minnesota Vikings, a prestigious team part of the National Football League (NFL). However, his football journey did not begin here. The diligent sportsman was first selected by the Detroit Lions during the first round of the celebrated 2019 NFL Draft.

Before emerging on the national stage, Hockenson made his initial strides in college football, representing the Iowa Hawkeyes with remarkable grace and grit. It was there that he outshone his contemporaries by being awarded the John Mackey Award, a prestigious accolade for the nation’s top tight end in college football.

Raised in Cherokee, Iowa, Hockenson eventually moved back to Chariton, during his teen years. His high school years were spent at Chariton High School, where he avidly pursued his passions in football and basketball. While at Chariton, Hockenson became an integral part of the football team, excelling as a tight end and defensive back, and winning four-year letters. He set unparalleled records in the school’s history for the maximum receiving yards in a game, over a season, and throughout his career. This feat led him to earn an esteemed all-state first team title in his senior year, and his extraordinary efforts propelled his team to the state playoffs.

According to the consensus composite by 247Sports.com, Hockenson was a top-rated three-star recruit, ranking seventh in Iowa’s recruit list for the 2016 season. Upholding his dedication to the craft, Hockenson officially committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes in June 2015.

In 2016, he bypassed his initial year, the redshirt freshman season. The following year, Hockenson made an impressive start in Iowa’s kicking-off game against Wyoming. He earned his first career receptions the next week against Iowa State, marking his presence with two catches for 41 yards. In Iowa’s game against Ohio State, he further amplified his standing by leading the team with five receptions for 71 yards and two touchdowns. Hockenson continued to enhance his record, ultimately finishing the year with 24 receptions for 320 yards and three receiving touchdowns.

With outstanding performances keeping pace, Hockenson was highlighted on the preseason watch list for the John Mackey Award for the 2018 season, sharing the limelight with teammate Noah Fant. That year saw Hockenson add many feathers to his cap including setting a personal record of 125 receiving yards against rival Wisconsin.

In January 2019, Hockenson decided to turn professional and declared his intention to participate in the 2019 NFL draft via Twitter. His football journey crossed a new milestone when he became the eighth overall pick by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the NFL Draft.

In the 2019 regular season, on his first game for the Lions against the Arizona Cardinals, he had an impressive six receptions for 131 receiving yards. Handling concussion and injuries, he concluded his debut season with 32 receptions for 367 yards and two touchdowns.

After an eventful 2020 season where he was named to the 2021 Pro Bowl and finishing with 67 receptions for 723 yards, and six touchdowns, he stepped into the 2021 season as the starting tight end for the Lions. However, a thumb injury resulting in surgery halted his season where he garnered 61 catches for 583 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games. He set an all-time Lions record for receiving yards in a game by a tight end against the Seattle Seahawks.

In November 2022, Hockenson transitioned to the Minnesota Vikings, with whom he signed a four-year, $63.5 million contract extension in August 2023. Hockenson’s match against the Detroit Lions in 2023 concluded with a severe ACL and MCL injury, placing him on the injured reserve list. Despite being on the reserve list for the beginning of the 2024 season, Hockenson remains a significant sports personality in American football, known for his commitment and sportsmanship.