DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 05: T.J. Hockenson #88 of the Detroit Lions, wearing an Oxford High School shirt, warms-up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on December 05, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
The champion of “Tight End U” in 2021, T.J. Hockenson will go back to the event next month.
According to those on the ground in Allen Park, tight end T.J. Hockenson was one of few players not on site for the Detroit Lions during last Thursday’s OTA practice that was open to the media. Those sessions are voluntary, so it’s not a big deal.
Unless you’d like to push a contract-driven narrative, as Hockenson looks for a long-term deal from the Lions and the price keeps going up as others get deals.
Hockenson’s 2021 season ended after 12 games due to a thumb injury, so he may be getting totally back to normal from that. Barring something unforeseen, he’ll be present for all of June’s mandatory minicamp,
But we do now know one other place Hockenson will for sure be next month.
“Tight End U” was started in 2021 by former NFL tight end Greg Olsen, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle. Kittle is a close friend of Hockenson’s, and they are both University of Iowa alums. This year’s event is again in Nashville, as last year’s was, and will take place from June 22-24.
T.J. Hockenson going back to defend his “Tight End U” title
As last year’s winner of “Tight End U”, Hockenson received an awesome, WWE-style championship belt. Based on Olsen’s appearance on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” this past week, the volume of competition seems sure to increase this year. A look at the event’s Twitter feed announcing participants confirms it. There’s even a title sponsor this year–Charmin.
Right after last season ended, Hockenson expressed no doubt he’d be recovered from his thumb injury in plenty of time to have a full offseason. Indeed participating in “Tight End U” all but confirms Hockenson is full healthy, and it’s fair to think he’s already been in Nashville working out with Kittle.