T.J. Hockenson discusses the recent achievements of Detroit.
former tight end with the Detroit Lions After being traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, T.J. Hockenson talked on his time with the Lions and their recent success. Hockenson, who is currently with the Vikings, appeared on the podcast “Bussin’ with the Boys” to discuss the trade and its ramifications.
Trade Specifics and Direct Effect
Hockenson was traded by the Lions for a number of draft picks, including a second- and third-round selection in 2023 and 2024. Though missing the final two games due to injury, Hockenson had his most productive season. Detroit added tight end Sam LaPorta, who has been setting records at the position.
On the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast, Hockenson said, “There were a lot of articles coming out (about me potentially getting traded), because we were, I think, 1-6 at the time.” He admitted that the trade wasn’t entirely unexpected.
T.J. Hocksonson Considers the Trade and Its Consequences
During the last year of his rookie deal, Hockenson thought about his future with Detroit and recognized the team was in a transitional phase, which lessened the shock factor of the move. His post-trade remark that he had an opportunity to “win some games” elicited conflicting responses from Detroit supporters, who saw it as a jab at the Lions’ dismal 12-42-2 record at the time.
Hockenson stated, “You want to beat them and win the division, but not (a) crazy (amount of bitterness).” They are still in the division. “You notice it and ask yourself, ‘What’s going on?'” When you speak with individuals in Detroit, they simply say, “It clicked.” You have nothing to do with it at all.
Both teams’ fortunes have turned around since the trade. The Lions have enjoyed a 20-7 record with two postseason victories, while the Vikings have gone 14-13 with one playoff loss. Even with the competition still present, Hockenson was pleased with Detroit’s progress. He expressed his actual happiness for the success of his old colleagues by saying, “I was really happy for the boys that I used to play with.”
Change to the Vikings
Hockenson still gets pumped for games against his old squad, but he doesn’t hold any grudges. Instead, he attributes his successful move to coach Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings organization. I adore Minnesota. I adore the team, and K.O. and ownership are the real foundation of it. Hockenson said, “Those guys are incredible, and it comes through.”
Hockenson considered the advantages of his deal with Minnesota as well. “I was ecstatic. For me, it was a new beginning,” he remarked. “I was aware that coach (Kevin) O’Connell, a rookie, would be my coach. He was six feet one inch, or thereabouts, in his rookie season. It was the finest thing for me to be able to get around a really up-and-coming coach.
“God placed me in the ideal situation. Minnesota is my favorite state. I adore the team, and K.O. and ownership are the real foundation of it. The amazing energy emanates from those guys.