T.J. Hockenson

Player Information

Thomas James Hockenson is an American professional football tight end for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes, where he earned the John Mackey Award, as the nation's top tight end in college football. Hockenson was selected in the first round (eighth overall) of the 2019 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions.
Full Name :
Thomas James Hockenson
Birthdate :
3 July 1997
Birthplace :
Des Moines, Iowa, USA
Gender :
Male
Height (cm) :
196
Weight (kg) :
112
Nationality :
United States
Education :
Chariton High School (High School), Iowa (College)
Career Started :
2019
Notable Achievements :
Pro Bowl (2020, 2022), John Mackey Award (2018), Ozzie Newsome Award (2018), First-team All-American (2018), Big Ten Tight End of the Year (2018), First-team All-Big Ten (2018)
Current Team :
Minnesota Vikings
Previous Teams :
Detroit Lions (From 2019, To 2022)
Drafted :
2019
Drafted by :
Detroit Lions
Active Status :
From - 2019, To - Present
Contract :
Contract Year 2023 to 2027, Salary $63,500,000 USD

Biography

T.J. Hockenson is a standout NFL tight end, recognized for his dynamic skill set and record-breaking performances. Drafted 8th in total by the Detroit Lions in 2019, he set a debut game record for tight ends with 131 receiving yards. Hockenson, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, has showcased resilience and consistency, especially following a torn ACL injury. His career includes impressive stats and lucrative contracts, highlighting his status in the league. More intriguing details about his path await.

Early Life

T.J. Hockenson exhibited athletic skill from a young age, excelling in football during his childhood. He attended Chariton High School, where he not only became a four-year letterman in football but also set multiple school records for receiving yards in a game, season, and career. His senior year was particularly notable as he helped lead his team to the state playoffs.

Following high school, Hockenson continued to develop his skills at the collegiate level, playing for the University of Iowa, where he amassed 1,080 receiving yards and nine touchdowns throughout his college career. His exceptional performance earned him the prestigious John Mackey Award in 2018, which recognized him as the top tight end in college football that year.

Family Life

T.J. Hockenson values his family deeply, crediting his wife, who has been his college sweetheart, for her steadfast support throughout his NFL path.

The couple shares a strong bond, often seen attending events together and prioritizing family time, especially during the offseason.

T.J. frequently expresses gratitude for the essential role his family plays in his life, helping him navigate the challenges of being an NFL player.

Together, T.J. and his wife actively engage in community service, emphasizing their commitment to giving back to the community and highlighting their strong partnership both on and off the field.

Career

T.J. Hockenson, drafted 8th in total by the Detroit Lions in 2019, made an immediate impact in the NFL by setting a record for the most receiving yards (131) by a tight end in their debut game.

Acknowledged as one of the league’s top tight ends, he has been selected to the Pro Bowl twice.

In the 2023 season, Hockenson recorded impressive stats with 95 receptions for 960 receiving yards and five touchdowns, ranking third among tight ends in both categories.

His career took a substantial turn after being traded to the Minnesota Vikings on November 1, 2022, where he continued to excel in the passing game, especially bouncing back from a torn ACL injury.

Net Worth

T.J. Hockenson’s net worth is estimated at $10 million, primarily derived from his NFL contracts and endorsements.

Following his trade to the Minnesota Vikings, Hockenson signed a lucrative four-year extension worth $68.5 million. His average annual salary of approximately $17.1 million places him among the top earners at his position in the NFL.

In addition to his NFL earnings, Hockenson has engaged in numerous endorsement deals, contributing to his total net worth.

The financial landscape for tight ends has seen a considerable increase, with Hockenson’s contract reflecting the competitive market for top-performing players in the league.