Ex-Lions tight finish shares ideas on Sunday’s winner-take-all sport – MLive.com

Inexperienced Bay Packers' Keisean Nixon stops Minnesota Vikings' T.J. Hockenson after a catch in the course of the first half of an NFL soccer sport Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Picture/Bruce Kluckhohn)AP
Vikings tight finish T.J. Hockenson was sidelined with a knee harm throughout their Week 7, 31-29 loss to the Lions in Minnesota. That received’t be the case this Sunday at Ford Discipline.
In a winner-take-all state of affairs for the NFC North crown and the convention’s high seed, the Lions will host the Vikings in a matchup that may see one group attain 14 wins and play within the Wild Card, whereas the opposite will earn a bye week till the divisional spherical and safe home-field benefit.
Figuring out what’s at stake, Hockenson shared his perspective on the importance of Sunday’s sport when talking with reporters earlier this week.
“That’s what we play for,” Hockenson mentioned. “It’s December soccer; it’s the finish of the yr. That’ll be January. And so, it’s going to be a number of enjoyable. I imply, you wish to play in video games like that, and it’s going to be an enormous one in Detroit, and we’re trying ahead to it. There’s nothing — it’s a one-and-oh mentality. That’s all we’ve had all yr, and we’ve by no means appeared in the direction of what could possibly be or what may occur. We’re simply trying in the direction of Detroit proper now, and we’ll be the place our ft are.”
For Hockenson, Sunday’s sport will likely be a return to his outdated stomping grounds, the place he performed the primary three and a half seasons of his NFL profession. The Lions chosen Hockenson with the No. 8 general choose within the 2019 draft. He loved average success in Detroit, together with a Professional Bowl nod in 2020.
Nonetheless, the Lions determined to half methods with the previous Iowa standout, buying and selling him to the Vikings in trade for a 2023 second-round choose and a 2024 third-round draft choose. He completed his tenure in Detroit with 186 receptions for two,068 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Whereas Hockenson has seen success in Minnesota, together with one other Professional Bowl nod in 2022, he and the Vikings have but to safe a win in opposition to the Lions, whether or not he was in or out of the lineup.
When requested about his emotions on taking part in his former group, Hockenson expressed his pleasure whereas additionally professing his respect for the group and his former teammates.
“I imply, everytime you play your earlier group, clearly you’re going to have your pleasure,” Hockenson mentioned. “And it’s Detroit. I’ve performed there loads in my profession, and I do know a number of guys on that facet of the ball, so it’ll be enjoyable. It’ll be an thrilling sport.
“And once more, I do know lots of people in that group. I respect that group. I respect these folks there, so it’s going to be a very good sport. It’s going to be a enjoyable sport. I heard it’s Sunday night time now, so it’s going to be a number of enjoyable.”
In 9 video games this season, Hockenson has 39 receptions for 446 yards and no touchdowns.
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