As the Detroit Lions kick off their 2025 training camp, all eyes are on a key position behind starting quarterback Jared Goff. With veteran backup Teddy Bridgewater no longer in the picture, the team is looking to 2023 third-round pick Hendon Hooker to rise to the occasion—and head coach Dan Campbell is making it clear that the expectations are high.
Hooker, a standout quarterback during his college days at Tennessee, was viewed as a potential long-term project when Detroit selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Recovering from a torn ACL at the time, he spent most of his rookie season rehabbing and adjusting to the pace of the NFL. In 2024, he saw minimal playing time, appearing only in late-game, low-stakes moments often referred to as “garbage time.” With Bridgewater serving as Goff’s primary backup, Hooker had limited opportunities to showcase his development in live-action situations.
However, the 2025 offseason has ushered in a new opportunity for the young quarterback. With Bridgewater out of the picture, the competition for the backup quarterback spot is wide open—and the Lions are hoping Hooker can seize it. Speaking to reporters at the start of camp, Dan Campbell emphasized that it’s time for Hooker to “take the next step.”
“We like what Hendon brings to the table,” Campbell said. “He’s smart, he works hard, and he’s got the tools. Now it’s about putting it all together, showing command of the offense, and proving he can be a reliable option behind Jared.”
This moment could prove pivotal for both Hooker and the Lions. Having a capable backup quarterback is more important than ever in today’s NFL. Injuries are unpredictable, and the ability to keep the offense running smoothly if Goff were to miss time is critical for a team with playoff aspirations. The Lions know that depth at quarterback could be the difference between staying competitive or watching a promising season fall apart.
For Hooker, this training camp will be a proving ground. He’ll need to demonstrate not just a grasp of the playbook but also poise under pressure, leadership in the huddle, and the kind of consistency that builds trust from coaches and teammates alike. In limited preseason action last year, Hooker showed flashes of potential, but this year the expectations are higher. The coaching staff is no longer evaluating him as a developmental player—they’re looking at him as someone who could potentially take meaningful snaps in a high-stakes situation.
Hooker himself has expressed confidence heading into camp, noting that he’s more comfortable with the system and excited about the chance to contribute. “Last year was a learning experience,” he said. “This year, I feel like I’m ready to compete. I’m coming in every day with the mindset to get better and show I can help this team win.”
If Hooker can deliver on that promise, the Lions will have successfully groomed a homegrown backup quarterback with the potential to grow even further. And if he falters, the team may be forced to look outside the organization for a more experienced option.
Either way, this training camp is shaping up to be a career-defining opportunity for Hendon Hooker—and the Lions are watching closely.