Football

Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker authors new Bible-based comic book, 'Scripture for Athletes'

By Cole Claybourn Nov 13, 2021
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker can now add “author” to his list of titles. Earlier this week, he and his brother, Alston Hooker, announced the release of a new Scripture book for athletes that they co-created.

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“The ABC’s of Scripture for Athletes” is a comic-book style book filled some of their favorite Scriptures and is now available for pre-order. It’s tailored toward young athletes and there are also companion flashcards available.

“These are some of our [family’s] favorite scriptures to use to stay encouraged while battling the roller coaster events of what life can bring,” the book’s website reads. “These few scriptures will give athletes or anyone a foundation of God’s word to live in their hearts. We encourage you to read them repeatedly until they become an extension of your daily conversation as you pursue what you love.”

Hooker, a redshirt senior, is vocal about how important his faith in God and his family are to him. His Twitter bio includes the phrase, “Giving him all the Glory.” He also uses the platform to share messages about God and his faith:

The NCAA’s new name, image and likeness rules helped make it possible for Hendon and Alston (who is a quarterback at North Carolina A&T) to see the project — which features artwork of the two brothers in their college uniforms — come to fruition.

After a productive career at Virginia Tech, where he started 22 games, the dual-threat Hendon graduated and transferred to Tennessee, where he’ll have another year of eligibility after this season. He told reporters last week that after his bout with COVID-19 last season while at Virginia Tech, he’s grateful just to be playing football still.

He underwent a heart screening after he was released from quarantine, and the tests showed a potential heart issue that was unrelated to COVID. His initial fear was that his football career could be over.

“It really just opened my eyes to show me how blessed I am,” Hooker told The Ledger. “Really just gave me the thought that I shouldn’t put anything other than God and my family before football. Just because I’ve put in so much work and have so much love for the game that I shouldn’t take it for granted.”

Hooker is enjoying a successful first season with the Vols, throwing for 1,894 yards and 21 touchdowns to go with 457 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He and his Volunteers (5-4) have a tall task Saturday as they look to knock off unbeaten No. 1 Georgia at home at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.

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