Hendon Hooker can’t actively participate in this weekend’s rookie minicamp. December knee surgery means Hooker is not yet medically cleared.
That doesn’t mean the Lions’ third-round quarterback from Tennessee isn’t doing whatever he can to get ready. Hooker is already winning over his new teammates with his dedication, personality and easy, natural leadership.
Fellow rookie Antoine Green, a seventh-round wide receiver from North Carolina, came away impressed after a couple of practices with Hooker in the huddle.
“He’s just walking around, dapping everybody up,” Green told reporters on Saturday. “I think he’s a great leader. Just watching him, too. I watched him over the course of last season, and I feel like he’s a phenomenal player. I think he’ll do great here.”
One of the linemen who will be charged with protecting Hooker also offered up a sterling review from the first day. Fifth-round OL Colby Sorsdal had this to say about No. 12,
“It’s electric to be around. He’s a great dude, and we were kind of talking during the stretch and whatnot, just about getting used to being an NFL player. We talked about this being a dream come true, and it is. We’re blessed to be out here and it’s just cool to be around him. His energy is contagious.”
It’s good to hear that Hooker is already doing everything he can to get ready for his Lions career, even if he’s unlikely to see the field for meaningful action before 2024 at the earliest.
