Hendon Hooker has NFL goal that goes beyond winning a Super Bowl or reaching the Hall of Fame
Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker, a potential first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, isn't lacking when it comes to confidence. The Greensboro, NC native, who started his collegiate career at Virginia Tech before transferring to Tennessee, has made it clear that he feels like he's the best quarterback in this year's draft. Hooker tore […]
Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker, a potential first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, isn't lacking when it comes to confidence.
The Greensboro, NC native, who started his collegiate career at Virginia Tech before transferring to Tennessee, has made it clear that he feels like he's the best quarterback in this year's draft.
Hooker tore his ACL last November in Tennessee's shocking loss to the South Carolina Gamecocks. The injury prevented him from working out during the pre-draft process, a time when prospects often see their draft stocks rise significantly (if they perform well).
Despite not being able to participate in pre-draft workouts, Hooker has still seen his draft stock rise in recent weeks. That's mostly due to his impressive showing during pre-draft visits with NFL teams.
The confidence that Hooker exudes likely helps, too. With Hooker, the confidence doesn't feel forced like it does with some of the other quarterback prospects in this year's draft class (Kentucky's Will Levis, for example). It feels natural with Hooker — it's just who he is as a person.
Hooker's goals in the NFL reflect that confidence.
The former Tennessee quarterback doesn't want to just win a Super Bowl or reach the Hall of Fame. Hooker wants to make such an impact on a franchise that they build a statue for him one day.
"I want to be a dynasty quarterback, build a franchise up, and win a Super Bowl," said Hooker recently during an interview with the Indy Star. "I hope wherever I go I can have as huge of an impact as (Peyton Manning ), whether that's the Colts or somewhere else."
"I want to get me a statue," added Hooker.
That's a lofty goal, but it's the type of goal you'd expect a potential first-round pick to have. Hooker has dealt with a lot of adversity during his career. The ACL tear and questions about his age and the offense he played in at Tennessee are examples of the adversity that Hooker will face moving forward. So far, he's overcome every obstacle thrown his way. I wouldn't bet against him succeeding at the next level. And not just succeeding, but making a major impact for an NFL franchise.
