Former Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson discusses Detroit’s recent achievements.Former Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson discusses Detroit’s recent achievements.
It’s been nearly two complete years since the Detroit Lions traded tight end T.J. Hockenson to the Minnesota Vikings, and it’s fair to say the deal benefited both parties. The Lions received a 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick, while the Vikings acquired Hockenson, a 2023 fourth-round pick, and a 2024 fourth-round pick. Detroit now has Sam LaPorta setting records at the tight end position, while Hockenson had his most productive year yet, despite missing the final two games due to an injury.
This week, Hockenson appeared on the “Bussin’ with the Boys” podcast and discussed the trade. He acknowledged that it didn’t come as a complete surprise at the time.
“There were numerous articles about me potentially being traded because we were, I believe, 1-6 at the time,” Hockenson said.
In the final year of his rookie contract, Hockenson realized the Lions were at a crossroads regarding his future, so when the trade occurred, it wasn’t a shock (which aligns with what he said back then, too).
At the time, Hockenson faced some criticism in Detroit for his comment about an expectation to win and make the playoffs:
“That’s really what we’re here to do is go somewhere and win some games. That’s kind of the first time I’ve been able to say that. So I’m pretty excited. I really am.”
Some interpreted this as a jab at Detroit, and perhaps it was. But it was also true, as the Lions were just 12-42-2 during Hockenson’s tenure. The ironic twist for Hockenson is that since the trade, the Vikings are 14-13 (0-1 in the playoffs), while the Lions are 20-7 (2-1 in playoffs).
Nevertheless, Hockenson doesn’t seem to harbor much resentment for Detroit’s recent success.
“They’re still in the division, so you want to beat them and win the division, but not an extreme amount of bitterness,” Hockenson said. “You see it and think, ‘What’s going on?’ You talk to people in Detroit, and they say, ‘It started clicking. It wasn’t anything you did.'”
He lter mentioned:
“I was genuinely happy for the guys I used to play with. I was there for a long time. It’s not enjoyable to play without success. For them to find success, I was happy for the guys I played with.”
That said, he did admit he still gets more energized for games against his former team.
Part of the reason Hockenson seems at peace with the trade is because he is truly happy to be with the Vikings organization.
“I was excited. It was a fresh start for me,” Hockenson said. “I knew I was going to play for coach Kevin O’Connell, who was a young coach. It was his first year, and he was 6-1 or something like that at the time. An up-and-coming coach, and to be around him, it was the best thing for me.”