Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Hendon Hooker

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 1, 2026

Discover the career path of Hendon Hooker, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Alan Hendon Hooker is a professional American football quarterback currently playing for the New York Jets in the NFL. He gained recognition playing college football for both Virginia Tech and Tennessee. His performance at Tennessee earned him the SEC Offensive Player of the Year award in 2022. Originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he has since joined the Jets.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1997: First Player in Top Five of Heisman Trophy Voting Since 1997

In 2022, Hendon Hooker became the first player from Tennessee to finish in the top five of Heisman Trophy voting since Peyton Manning finished runner-up in 1997.

1998: Best Season Start Since 1998

In 2022, Hooker helped lead Tennessee to their first 6-0 start since 1998, boosting the team to a #3 ranking.

2001: Highest Ranking Since 2001

In 2022, the Tennessee Volunteers reached #2 in the AP Poll, their highest ranking since 2001, after a successful season start led by Hooker.

2006: First Victory Over Alabama Since 2006

In 2022, Hendon Hooker helped lead Tennessee to their first victory over Alabama since 2006, with a score of 52-49. Hooker passed for 385 yards and five touchdowns in the game.

2016: Commitment to Virginia Tech

In 2016, Hendon Hooker committed to Virginia Tech after visiting the campus and feeling it was the right fit.

2016: State Championship MVP

In 2016, Hendon Hooker was awarded the 4A state championship MVP for Dudley High School, scoring six touchdowns.

2019: Starting Quarterback and Bowl Game Qualification

In 2019, Hendon Hooker became the starting quarterback for Virginia Tech after Ryan Willis's interceptions. He led the team to five wins and qualification for the Belk Bowl.

2022: SEC Offensive Player of the Year

In 2022, Hendon Hooker earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-SEC honors. He led Tennessee to an 11-win season, their most since 2001. He also finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting.

July 20, 2023: Placed on Reserve/Non-Football Injury List

On July 20, 2023, Hendon Hooker was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list as he continued to recover from an ACL injury sustained at Tennessee.