T.J. Hockenson Has Strong Desire to 'Win' in Detroit, Talks Contract
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Tight end T.J. Hockenson is entering a pivotal stage in his career.
Entering his fourth season in the league, he’s been an integral part of the organization’s rebuild. As the team’s predominant pass catcher in recent years, he’s amassed 1,673 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns over his first three seasons.
He earned an invitation to the Pro Bowl in 2020, and was having a solid season in 2021 before a thumb injury shut him down for the season in Week 13.
With 2022 marking his fourth year, he will have only one more year remaining on his rookie contract. As a first-round pick, he had a team option for the fifth year in his rookie deal, which the Lions elected to pick up.
After 2023, he and the team will have a decision to make regarding his long-term future. The Cleveland Browns recently made a large commitment to their tight end, David Njoku, with a four-year, $54 million deal. Doing this has made Lions fans consider what their tight end may require in a long-term deal.
This will be an important decision for Hockenson in the future. Right now, however, he’s not worried about what may or may not happen.
“That’s a whole lot of money, that’s life changing,” Hockenson said. “I’m already in a situation where my life has changed, and so all I really want to do is win. That’s all I really care about. Money is one thing, but when it hits the bank account is when it’s there. So, it doesn’t really matter to me. I just want to make this place a winning program and kind of build that. The money will fall where it may, the contract will fall where it may. I just want to win.”
Hockenson continued, “I'm not very good at the business side of things. There’s guys telling me what I should make, what I shouldn't make. I'm like, I don't really care. You know, it's one of those things. I'm gonna play between the white lines and whatever happens, happens. I will be honest, I really don't do much with that. I kind of told my agent, ‘You do your thing, and I'll play and I'll do my thing.’ So, that's kind of where it's at. I don't really know much, and I don't really care to know much. I'm here every day playing with my teammates. You know, when when that time comes to sign a piece of paper, I'll do that.”
Time to turn the corner
When it comes to on-field action, Hockenson is ready to help his team finally become a winner.
The organization has won just 11 games in his three seasons. Heading into year four, though, there’s an air of optimism around the team under second-year head coach Dan Campbell.
As a veteran option, he’s ready to turn the thoughts of winning into a reality.
“I think every year you come in, and you're ready to just kind of turn that corner,” Hockenson said. “I've been here for three years now, and we haven't really done that yet. So, you know, I think we have the tools, and we have the people to be able to win some games and have a little fun. And, I think that's kind of our goal this year, just have a little fun, take the business out of it, take all that out of it. I mean, we're still playing a kid's game. You’ve got to come out here, have some fun and everything will fall in line when that happens.”
Many believe the team will be a dark horse contender to compete for the NFC North division crown. Part of the optimism is a revamped offense, with new additions at wide receiver.
With a new offensive coordinator in Ben Johnson, the Lions could have a different look. Hockenson worked closely with Johnson in 2021, when he was the team's tight ends coach.
“Ben's offense, it's been a lot of fun,” Hockenson said. “You know, that's my guy. He's been here since I've been here. When I got here, we were in the back learning the offense. He was a quality control guy. And now he's where he is. So, it's been really cool to see. He's one of the people that got me where I am. So, you know, I'm excited to have him in that position, and be able to get this rolling.”
