Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker, a third round selection by the Detroit Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft, hasn’t had a fruitful start to his NFL career.

Hooker was released by the Lions last summer. He spent time with the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets last season before signing with the Tennessee Titans earlier this offseason.

The North Carolina native has completed six-of-nine passes for 62 yards in his NFL career.

Josh Heupel shares thoughts on Hendon Hooker’s NFL career

Hooker, who turned 28 in January, has yet to receive a legitimate opportunity in the NFL.

Barring an injury, he’s unlikely to receive that opportunity with the Titans with Cam Ward entrenched as the team’s starting quarterback.

But despite time not being on Hooker’s side, Vols head coach Josh Heupel is confident that Hooker still has upside as an NFL quarterback.

“Absolutely there’s upside for Hendon,” said Heupel Wednesday in Nashville. “Coming off a knee injury, coaching changes, whatever it might be, you’ve got to be in the right place at the right time with the right people.

“His college career, I think, is a great example of that for him. And a guy that continues to work and compete. And he’s got an opportunity here with the Titans, and I’m excited to see him go take advantage of that.”

Hooker, who was coached by Heupel for two seasons at Tennessee after transferring from Virginia Tech, missed his entire rookie season while recovering from a torn ACL. And then he lost his offensive coordinator in Detroit when Ben Johnson left to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears.

When you factor in that Hooker essentially had a wasted season in 2025 (finding a new opportunity in season can be tough for quarterbacks), it’s easy to see why Heupel feels the way he does.

Perhaps some stability with the Titans will help Hooker get his NFL career on track.