T.J. Hockenson Biography

Thomas James Hockenson, born on July 3, 1997, is an American professional football tight end who has played in the National Football League. He earned the John Mackey Award as the top tight end in college football while playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Hockenson was selected eighth overall in the 2019 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions. He played as a tight end and defensive back during his college career, setting multiple school records for receiving yardage. His first career receptions came in a game against Iowa State, where he recorded two catches for 41 yards. He was named to the preseason watch list for the John Mackey Award in 2018 alongside teammate Noah Fant. Hockenson became the second Iowa Hawkeye to win the award, following Dallas Clark in 2002, and the first to do so as a sophomore.