T.J., an ex-Detroit Lions tight end, After being traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, Hockenson talked about his time with the Lions and their recent success. Hockenson, who is now with the Vikings, appeared on the podcast “Bussin’ with the Boys” to discuss the trade and its aftermath.
Hockenson was traded by the Lions for a number of draft picks, including a 2024 third-round pick and a 2023 second-round pick. Sam LaPorta, a tight end who was acquired by Detroit and has been setting records there, and Hockenson had his best season despite missing the final two games with injuries. Hockenson stated on the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast, “There were a lot of articles coming out (about me potentially getting traded), because we were, I think, 1-6 at the time,” recognizing that the trade was not entirely unexpected.
Hockenson realized the team was at a turning point as he considered his future with Detroit during the final year of his rookie contract, making the trade less shocking. Nonetheless, his remark about getting an opportunity to “dominate some matches” post-exchange drew blended responses from Detroit fans, saw as a dig at the Lions’ then unfortunate record of 12-42-2 during his residency there. “They’re still in the division, so you need to beat them and you need to win the division, however not (a) insane (measure of sharpness),” Hockenson said. When you see it, you wonder, ‘What’s going on?’ People in Detroit say, “It started clicking,” when you talk to them. You had nothing to do with it,” he said.
Both teams’ fortunes have turned around since the trade. The Lions have gone 20-7 and won two playoff games, while the Vikings have gone 14-13 and lost in the playoffs. Hockenson was pleased with Detroit’s progress, despite the ongoing competition. He said, “I was really happy for the boys that I used to play with,” highlighting his genuine happiness at the success of his former teammates.
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