Things didn't work out for Hendon Hooker with the Detroit Lions, to say the least. He struggled to develop, and Jared Goff defying the bridge quarterback allegations certainly didn't help matters.
The Lions effectively gave up on Hooker without giving him a real shot when announcing his release this past summer. He attempted just nine passes across three mop-up duty appearances in 2025 — and none before that. That's far from how either side expected their partnership to play out.
Disappointing results aside, Hooker ostensibly looks back on the Detroit days fondly, largely because of the team's head coach, Dan Campbell. The former expressed admiration for the latter's leadership skills and knowledge of the game during an exclusive interview with FanSided.
Ex-Lions QB Hendon Hooker's glowing Dan Campbell endorsement speaks volumes
Lions fans won't be surprised to hear Campbell showered with praise. However, it's especially powerful coming from a player he cut, specifically the club's highest-drafted passer since taking NFL MVP Matthew Stafford No. 1 overall in 2009. Hooker highlighted what makes Campbell special in a way that folks in the Motor City will absolutely relish.
"I love Dan Campbell, man. He’s an amazing coach, an amazing football mind and he coaches with passion; he wants you to play with passion. ... It just becomes contagious, and you can see it throughout their whole team — everyone’s playing with their hair on fire. "Hendon Hooker on Dan Campbell
By the sound of it, Hooker has no ill will toward Detroit's sideline general; his respect was louder than any resentment over being let go. He lauded Campbell's unique combination of football acumen and infectious, boundless energy that the whole locker room feeds off.
Many on the outside look at Campbell, a former tight end, as this rah-rah motivator, which is true. Yet, he's also a tactician and considered a pioneer of hyper-aggressive fourth-down offense. Hooker reminded us all to never judge a book by its cover.
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It didn't take long for Hooker to get another opportunity after getting waived by Detroit. The Carolina Panthers signed him to their practice squad just days later, though he ultimately met the same fate. His latest stop was with the New York Jets, but through it all, Campbell's Lions appear to have left a lasting impression on the 28-year-old.
Hooker was added to the Jets' active roster for their regular-season finale loss to the Buffalo Bills. He's set to become an exclusive rights free agent in March.
Note: New York Jets quarterback Hendon Hooker spoke on behalf of the Stand Together Foundation