Iowa fans already know T.J. Hockenson is a beast -- we watched him make Big Ten defenses look silly on a regular basis over the last few seasons. Well, now the NFL knocks Hockenson is a beast, too. Hockenson, the #8 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, didn't waste any time in making a splash in the NFL. Hockenson hauled in six catches for 131 yards and a touchdown in his first-ever NFL game. The Lions only managed a 27-27 tie (lol), but that's no fault of Hockenson's play.
If you're wondering just how good a debut Hockenson had... well, it was the best-ever in terms of yardage for a rookie tight end.
T.J. Hockenson sets a new record for most receiving yards by a TE in his debut game (124).
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) September 8, 2019
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/Pttt5L1SF3
Hockenson added to his totals after that tweet, as well, with one more catch for seven yards, giving him six receptions for 131 yards on the day. Setting an NFL record in your very first game is not too shabby.
At one point, Hockenson had more offense by himself than the entire Cardinals team had mustered:
Rookie TE TJ Hockenson has 5 catches for 124 yards, and a touchdown. Cardinals offense has 100 total yards
— Omar Ruiz (@OmarDRuiz) September 8, 2019
That'll do.
The highlight of Hockenson's day was his 23-yard touchdown grab, which was probably one of his easiest catches of the day. He did get to show off his ability to find holes in coverage and make himself available for a quarterback.
Have a day, T.J. Hockenson! @TheeHOCK8 #DETvsAZ #OnePride
— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2019
: FOX
: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app
Watch on mobile: https://t.co/PoZiStO3mL pic.twitter.com/D3rUksUy5x
You can check out all of Hockenson's catches right here.
Hell of a debut, T.J. Keep showing 'em how guys from TE U do it.
Source: @CBSSportsHQ
