KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker’s college football career is over after the senior suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on Saturday during the Vols’ 38-63 loss to South Carolina.
Coach Josh Heupel spoke with reporters Monday around 12:15 p.m. EST. Heupel said Monday that Hooker “represents everything that’s good about college football.”
Hooker finished his career at UT with 6,080 yards passing and 58 touchdowns in two seasons.
Hooker was running an option play during the Tennessee-South Carolina game when he fell to the ground and was seen holding his knee during the 4th quarter.
Commonly referred to as the ACL, the ligament is a strong band of tissue that crosses the knee and connects the thigh bone to the shin bone, stabilizing the knee joint, according to the Mayo Clinic. A tear causes severe pain, instability, swelling and loss of range of motion.
The injury is a common sports-related injury with nearly 200,000 cases in the United States every year, according to research by the National Institutes of Health.
The 4th quarter injury caused Hendon to leave the field and he did not return to the game.
“Hendon’s incredible journey has been defined by faith, perseverance and strength,” said Tennessee Football via Twitter. “Obstacles have never stood in the way on his path to greatness.”
“We know Hendon will come back stronger than ever as he embarks on a promising NFL future,” the university said in a press release.
The university called Hooker a “legend” and said Hendon and the Hooker family appreciate all of the prayers and support they’ve received.
