T.J. Hockenson is a tight end for the Detroit Lions. Hockeson was born in Chariton, Iowa. He played both tight end and defensive back in high school at Chariton High School. One of the highest recruits in the state of Iowa, Hockenson elected to stay in-state and play his college football at Iowa. He became one of the best tight ends in the country during his redshirt sophomore season when he won the John Mackey Award for the nation’s top tight end. Now in his second NFL season, Hockenson is one of the best young tight ends in the NFL.
T.J. Hockenson played football at his hometown high school of Chariton High School in Chariton, Iowa. Hockenson excelled in both football and basketball. On the football team, he played both tight end and defensive back. He set his school records for receiving yards in a game, season, and career. Hockenson was considered a Top 10 recruit in the state of Iowa. He committed to Iowa prior to his senior season.
Hockenson redshirted his first year at Iowa. In his redshirt freshman season, Hockenson played tight end alongside Noah Fant, who is also in the NFL. He finished his first season with 24 receptions for 320 yards and three touchdowns.
Entering his redshirt sophomore season, Hockenson was considered one of the best tight ends in the nation. He went on to lead his team in receptions (46) and receiving yards (717). Hockenson went on to win the John Mackey Award which is given to the nation’s best tight end. Hockenson elected to skip his final two seasons of eligibility and enter the 2019 NFL Draft.
T.J. Hockenson was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the 8th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. He was the 13th tight end to be drafted in the Top 10 since the NFL merger in 1970. He was also the highest-drafted tight end since Vernon Davis in 2006 (sixth overall).
Hockenson proved he was the real deal in his very first NFL game in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. He finished the game with six receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown. He set the record for most receiving yards by a tight end in an NFL debut. Injury ended his season early but he still finished with 32 receptions for 367 yards and two touchdowns.
Through 12 games in 2020, Hockenson had 52 receptions for 614 yards and five touchdowns.
After being drafted eighth overall by the Detroit Lions in 2019, Hockenson signed a four-year deal worth $19.8 million. He made the majority of that money in his first season ($12.9 million). He has an estimated net worth of $8 million.
T.J. Hockenson grew up in Chariton, Iowa. He has two older brothers named Matt and Andy. His parents' names are Teri and Tod. T.J.’s has a girlfriend named Carley Arnold.
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