(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NFL players are some of the toughest people on the planet, which is why it isn’t much of a surprise when they play through injury.
It may be a surprise sometimes when they are injured and still find a way to dominate.
That is exactly what Vikings Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson did last season in a game against the New Orleans Saints after fracturing his ribs the week prior against the Atlanta Falcons.
“I actually broke my rib in the Atlanta game. Fractured two ribs on my right side. The next week is the Saints…I had 135 in the first half,” Hockenson recently said on Bussin’ With The Boys.
T.J. Hockenson broke 2 ribs in the Atlanta game and then put up 135 yards in the 1st half with #Vikings QB Josh Dobbs the following week
“Broke my rib in the Atlanta game. Fractured 2 ribs on my right side…[The next week] I had 135 yards in the 1st half with Dobbs playing.” pic.twitter.com/Jn0U131uJp
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) July 16, 2024
There is a reason why Hockenson is one of the league’s better tight ends.
He is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win, even if that means playing through pain.
In his first full season in Minnesota, he set career highs in receptions (95), receiving yards (960), and receiving yards per game (64.0).
He is one of the focal points in Kevin O’Connell’s offense for sure, and he should be a key target for whoever is playing quarterback in 2024.
Along with Hockenson, the Vikings have plenty of quality pass-catchers in All-Pro Justin Jefferson, a 10-touchdown man from a year ago in Jordan Addison, and former Pro Bowl running back Aaron Jones.
If Minnesota can find consistency under center, they have everything they need from an offensive perspective.
The x-factors are veteran Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy.
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