Two Former Vols Make NFL Debuts

Two former Tennessee Volunteer quarterbacks made their NFL debuts Thursday night as part of the start of the NFL preseason. First, Joe MIlton, who was drafted in the sixth round back in April by the New England Patriots, got his first taste of live NFL action. Wearing #19, Milton completed 4 of 6 passes for 54 yards and that included his first NFL passing touchdown. That would be a 38 yard strike to receiver JaQuae Jackson. That put the Pats up 17-0 over the Carolina Panthers. Milton also showed off his wheels, rushing five times for 22 yards. The Patriots win 17-3.

Then, Hendon Hooker finally made his NFL debut with the Detroit Lions. Hooker was actually drafted in 2023, but because he was still rehabbing a knee injury suffered during the Vols 2022 season, he did not see any action with the Lions last year. Hooker was 5 of 9 passing for just 36 yards. But, Hooker led the Lions in rushing…piling up 34 yards on just 4 carries for an 8.5 average per carry. The Lions lose to the Giants 14-3.