In their first two years with the Lions, head coach Dan Campbell and quarterback Jared Goff failed to make the playoffs despite their efforts. In 2023, the team drafted Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker in the third round (68th overall pick). The rookie seemed to bring a stroke of luck to the franchise. With a 12-5 record, the Lions surged into the NFC Championship Game against the 49ers. They also finished the season as the top seed in both the NFC North and the entire conference. But for Hooker, none of that mattered—his ambitions remained unfulfilled.

In his rookie season, Hooker suffered an ACL injury that sidelined him for the entire year. In his second season, Jared Goff’s strong performance kept him out of the starting role. Over two seasons, Hooker has played in only three games, none of them as a starter. Campbell had already warned him it would be a long journey. He said, “If he can eventually become your two or maybe, down the road, more than that—great. But it’s going to take time.” However, this year, they want to give him a bigger role.

The only way to do that is to prepare him for the tough moments. After two wonderful seasons, fans want the Super Bowl. Speaking to media on May 13, Lions OC John Morton revealed their expectations from their backup QB Hendon Hooker. He said, “I’m still learning him and it’s just getting better at this every day, whatever it is.” But he then explained the biggest issue about quarterbacks: footwork. That’s what he is working on now.

The Lions’ offensive coordinator added, “We’re working with all the quarterbacks on technique. Everything is about technique and the details. So it’s just about being consistent and doing it over and over and over.”

Does this hint at a new strategy for the franchise? Perhaps. The Lions might continue to rely on Jared Goff during the regular season and, once they’ve secured a playoff spot, consider giving their backup quarterbacks—like Hooker—a chance to gain experience.

Now entering his third year with the franchise, Hooker is familiar with the coaching staff, his teammates, and the front office. But familiarity alone won’t keep him in the league—he needs to perform. As the son of North Carolina A&T Hall of Fame quarterback Alan Hooker, Hendon carries a significant family legacy. The pressure is on, and the clock is ticking.

Lions see potential in Hendon Hooker

The Lions brass is ready to give him a number 2 spot now. QB coach Mark Brunell predicted a great start for Goff’s backup and said, “He’s doing great. A new opportunity for him, a new year, another year of growth. What is this, three (years)? He’s a puppy, and he’s still young. Does he have a lot of growth? Yeah, there are some things that we’ve got to work on.” They have mixed beliefs about his talent.

However, by claiming that he needs to work on many things, Brunell opened Pandora’s box. Despite this, he claimed that Hendon Hooker is in a pretty pleasant spot this season. He is fully fit. But Brunell also said that a player has to earn everything in the league.

He added, “Once again, Hendon finds himself in a position where he’s going to have to earn that second spot. And he’s off to a very good start, which is good. He’s getting better.” No doubts in that. Goff has proved himself in past seasons. Indeed, he crossed the 4400 yards mark for three consecutive seasons and had 115 touchdowns in his 4 seasons with Detroit.

With optimism around the Lions camp about a good show in the coming season, Hooker will be getting ready to push for the next level. His career is now stagnant. But the determination and hard work can change his future, if he really puts in an all-in effort.