'My decision was a good decision' - Former Vols QB Hendon Hooker is catching some heat over response to throwing an interception

Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker is running out of time to win the Detroit Lions' backup quarterback job.

Hooker, who is entering his third season in the NFL, was outplayed by Kyle Allen -- the other quarterback battling for the No. 2 job in Detroit -- in the Lions' 24-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Saturday.

Allen completed 14-of-17 passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns.

Hooker, meanwhile, completed 6-of-13 passes for 61 yards and an interception.

The interception from Hooker came on the Lions' final play of the game. With the Lions in the red zone, Hooker tried to complete a quick pass near the sideline. Dolphins cornerback Ethan Robinson, however, made a terrific leaping interception behind the line of scrimmage that essentially ended the game.

ETHAN ROBINSON CALLS GAME ‼️ pic.twitter.com/0MNE2Qak3F
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 16, 2025

Hooker was asked after the game what he saw on the interception and whether he would have done anything differently.

"That was crazy -- I've never seen someone jump so high," said Hooker. "But I saw him just off the edge, and I knew I had free access to the flat for a quick gain and [to] stop the clock. So that's what I was thinking. But he just made an amazing play."

"I wouldn't do anything different," continued Hooker. "He made an amazing play. My mind's still blown. I've never seen someone jump so high to catch an interception -- especially blitzing off the edge. That's an amazing play that he made. My decision was a good decision. I was thinking get the ball into the flat...a little gain, maybe seven yards, get out bounds, stop the clock, and have an opportunity for the end zone."

Hooker, unsurprisingly, is hearing it from some fans for saying that he wouldn't have done anything differently and that he made a good decision.

On one hand, I get the frustration from fans. The last thing fans want to hear is a quarterback saying that he made a good decision on a game-ending interception.

But on the other hand, I understand what Hooker is saying. The decision was the right one -- he had the receiver open -- but Robinson made an elite play. Sometimes you just have to tip your cap as a competitor and move on.

Hooker will get one more shot to make some noise in the backup QB battle -- but based on what we’ve seen this preseason, it might be too little, too late."

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