During his introductory presser with the Vikings, T.J. Hockenson leveled a harsh (and accurate) parting comment about the Lions.
The Detroit Lions made a fairly surprising move to trade tight end T.J. Hockenson on Tuesday. The layer of trading him to the division rival Minnesota Vikings isn’t of great consequence. A good chunk of the outside sentiment has painted it negative for the Lions, as Hockenson seemingly could have been part of the future in Detroit.
Hockenson is of course moving from a 1-6 team with the NFL’s worst record right now to the 6-1 leaders in the NFC North who are lapping the rest of the division entering Week 9. Any player would be happy to be going from a losing team to a winning team, to say nothing of the Vikings surely having plans to make Hockenson a key part of their offense immediately.
T.J. Hockenson makes harsh, accurate comment about the Lions
Hockenson was introduced to the local media in Minnesota on Wednesday. He acknowledged that he kind of knew he’d be traded, but was surprised it ended up being to the Vikings. He offered all the typical comments about being happy to be there, etc.
"I’m just excited to have a piece in this puzzle. A lot of good guys around here. This facility is beautiful, so I’m just excited to be here, man,” Hockenson said. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be.”"
Hockenson also delivered a harsh punchline about his former team.
"That’s really what we’re here to do is go somewhere and win some games,” Hockenson said Wednesday. “That’s kind of the first time I’ve been able to say that.”"
The Lions went 12-42-2 over Hockenson’s three-plus seasons with them. The Vikings have a chance to win 12 games this season alone, if they go at least 6-4 over their last 10 games.
Hockenson’s comment about the difference between his new and old situations was not inaccurate. But it did come off pretty (and surely unintendedly) harsh on his former team.